For Immediate Release – Lawton, OK, June 18, 2004
Exclusive to Campus Media
CU student government group seeks support
to fight cancer at upcoming ‘Relay for Life’
The Cameron University Student Government Association is asking the campus community to support a
team of students, alumni and faculty participating in the American Cancer Society's upcoming “Relay for
Life,” a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and
programs.
The event is set for 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, at Eastside Park, located just west of MacArthur High School at
4402 E. Gore Blvd. in Lawton. The fund raiser continues until 8 a.m. Saturday morning.
During “Relay for Life,” teams of volunteers – including one from Cameron – will gather at the park to take
turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
“’Relay for Life’ represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face
cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated,” said Jenny Jackson, a junior
business marketing major from Frederick who was recently elected president of the CU Student
Government Association.
Jackson and CU Student Development director Jennifer Holland are serving as co-captains of the Cameron
team. Other members are CU graduates Susan Benke from Lawton and Jeff Milam of Elgin (Classes of
(over)
relay, ADD ONE
2001 and 2004, respectively); CU sophomores Frank Myers, a psychology major from Lawton, and Aaron
Russell, a multimedia design major from Lawton; accounting specialist Cherry Callas; assistant admissions
director Brenda Dally; admissions director Zoe DuRant; media projects coordinator Jon Horinek; and
student activities secretary Ann Stafford.
Those who would like to make tax-deductible donations to the American Cancer Society or purchase
luminarias in memory/honor of an individual they know who has battled cancer can contact Jackson at
580/581-2217 or via email at cusga@cameron.edu, referencing “Relay for Life” in the subject line.
Donations of all size are welcomed. The luminarias, which will be lighted during the relay, are $5 each and
can be purchased at the CU Student Activities Building.
“We would love for anyone who is part of the Cameron community to help us raise funds to find a cure for
cancer,” Jackson said. “CU students, faculty, staff and alumni raised approximately $2,000 at last year’s
relay and we believe we can exceed that goal in 2004.”
The concept behind the “Relay for Life” began in May 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and
avid runner, took the first step of his 24-hour walk/run around a track in Tacoma, Wash. He clocked 83
miles, raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 220 supporters on 19
teams joined Dr. Klatt in his overnight event, and the “Relay for Life” was born.
Over the past 18 years, the fund raiser has spread to 3,800 communities across the U.S. and eight foreign
countries.
More information about the “Relay for Life” and cancer research can be obtained by visiting the American
Cancer Society’s website at www.cancer.org/.
– 30 –
PR#04-142
Editors and Broadcasters: For more information, contact CU Government & Community Relations at
580.581.2211.