Loyola students to host virtual Relay for Life event
The Relay for Life of Loyola University Maryland will host a virtual event on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Videos from the virtual event can be viewed on Loyola’s Relay for Life Instagram and Facebook pages.
Every year Loyola University Maryland’s student-organized Relay for Life event raises thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society. Last year the committee raised $116,335. It’s a signature event that the students work all year to create, and it culminates in an event that is full of energy and emotion as funds are raised for the cause.
The virtual event will include Facebook lives and recorded videos throughout the day featuring messages of hope, introductions to Loyola’s Relay for Life executive team, recorded survivor and caregiver speeches, a luminaria video, recorded videos of performances from various clubs at the University, and other informational videos.
The Relay for Life event at Loyola University Maryland was scheduled for Saturday, March 28, but was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Megan Rumph, ’21, who is an event chair for Relay for Life at Loyola, wanted to host an event despite not being able to gather in person. She participates in Relay for Life to honor her aunt who passed away from cancer in 2011.
“Even though the world is on hold due to COVID-19, that doesn’t mean cancer is,” said the math major and business minor who lives in Bloomfield, N.J. “Having a virtual event shows our support to the cause. It’s also a way to stay connected and interactive with the Loyola community.”
Eleni Chakales, ’21, a business administration major and event chair for Relay for Life, said they will use Zoom during the event to host a Kahoot trivia game and engage viewers at home.
“Cancer is something that unites everyone. Fighting for the cause is an empowering way to stand united,” said Chakales. “I love participating in Relay because it makes me feel that I am making a difference and doing what I can to stop cancer. By holding a virtual event, we can still see the committee’s hard work pay off and continue to support the mission of the American Cancer Society.”
For more information, visit the Relay for Life of Loyola University Maryland website or Facebook page.