by Emily Mosier
It is not uncommon to see student organizations promote themselves outside of the Trojan Center food court, but for the past couple of weeks, one organization has been using the platform to raise money for cancer research.
Troy University’s Colleges Against Cancer committee has been selling bottles of sweet tea as the first of many fundraisers for Relay for Life, and all the proceeds will benefit The American Cancer Society.
“Everyone knows someone that has had cancer, and I wanted to be a part of an organization that acknowledged that and wanted to change it,” said co-president Rachel Simpson, a junior environmental sciences major from Prattville, Alabama.
Relay for Life will take place March 1. The theme this year is “Bucking Cancer,” which is a western theme centered around cowboys and rodeos. Their goal is to raise $20,000, outdoing the $15,000 they raised last year.
Anyone can participate in fundraising and Relay for Life, regardless of membership. Currently, the organization Is looking for teams, which can be groups of students or already existing organizations. These teams would try to raise as much money as they can, however they can.
“I know this goal is achievable if we can get teams to pitch in and fundraise,” Simpson said.
Troy’s Colleges Against Cancer disbanded during the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was restarted in 2021 by Sedaris Williams, the Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Leadership. Williams, who graduated from Troy in 2006, was a member of Colleges Against Cancer as an undergrad.
"I personally have seen cancer affect friends and family, and this what makes me want to do what I can to support this," Williams said.
Co-president Erin Shelley, a junior biomedical sciences major from Hartford, Alabama was among the first to join in 2021.
“A few people in my life have passed from cancer,” Shelley said. “When the announcement came out that the school is looking for students to rebuild, I thought that it would be a great opportunity to honor those people.”
She said she knew she had made the right decision after their first Breast Cancer Walk when she was moved by a survivor’s story.
“It was a very touching moment, and many were brought to tears,” Shelley said. “Moments like that make all of the planning and work worth it.”
Macy Sauls, the social media coordinator for Colleges Against Cancer, encourages students to become involved in their efforts, and not just because it raises money for treatments, research, financial aid for, but because it is a personally inspiring experience.
“My favorite thing about the club is how committed and driven those who participate are,” Sauls said.
For more information about Relay for Life and Colleges Against Cancer, follow them on Instagram @troyurelay.
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