The Crete News Online

Doane Relay for Life surpasses goal

Doane College Relay For Life reported a total of $75,524 raised  as of Saturday, just hours after the 12 hours event ended. They made their goal and much more.

by Alyssa Bouc
Doane College

Relay always begins with a lap around the track from cancer survivors.

As the sun goes down, people continue to take laps around the same track and the darkness represents the somber battle those with cancer have to endure.

After the 12 hour event comes to a close at 6 a.m., the sky gets lighter once again, signifying hope for the future of cancer through money raised from Relay.

Relay For Life was at Doane once again from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on April 13 in Fuhrer Field House.

While the event may be hosted by the college, Nicole Tegtmeier, junior executive co-chair of Doane Relay, said everyone who had been affected by cancer in the community was encouraged to attend.

“Every person has been touched by cancer, whether it’s a family, friend or co-worker,” Tegtmeier said. “This is a way of uniting the whole community and giving an opportunity to stand up to something that so many people are affected by.”

Nick Lukens, senior executive Relay co-chair, said Doane took first in the nation in per capita fundraising last year.

“It’s great to have a small town like Crete that’s home to the nation’s best Relay,” Lukens said.

He said the event had grown exponentially and the group hoped to break another record this year.

Tegtmeier said last year, Relay barely fell short of its $70,000 goal and this year the group set a goal of $75,000.

According to Relayforlife.org, money raised through Relay helps fund cancer research, the development of new prevention and detection programs, and helps the American Cancer Society continue to provide its expansive patient support programs and to further its advocacy efforts.

Tegtmeier said most of the money was raised during the actual event.

“The key is getting the community involved,” Tegtmeier said. “Teams must fundraise outside the event and contact family and friends to get people there.”

For from the April 13-14 Relay for Life see The Crete News print or E-editions and coverage at doane.edu or on Facebook, Doane College Relay For Life.