St. John’s Relay raises more than $60,000

At the Fourth Annual Relay for Life, St. John’s University raised more than $60,000 in the fight against cancer.
The event hosted by the American Cancer Society is an annual walkathon that honored cancer survivors, their caregivers and all of those who lost their lives to cancer. On Friday, April 3, more than 1,400 participants made up of students, faculty and staff comprised 150 teams that fundraised for the cause.
This year, Lambda Kappa Sigma Sorority was the team that raised the most money – more than $3,000. Reaching out to pharmaceutical companies, bake sales and texting alumni, family and friends are just some of the tactics Lillian Lu, fundraising chair of Lambda Kappa Sigma, used in their efforts to raised money and find a cure.
“A bunch of us know either someone who has been affected or someone who has passed away from cancer,” Lu said. “I had a family member who had breast cancer, and she – thank God – has survived from it.”
The event ended early Saturday morning. Throughout the night students, faculty and administrators walked around hundreds of candles in Taffner Field House.
For inspiration, people instilled the moving testimony of cancer survivor Annie Guttenberg in their mind. A student at St. John’s University, she was diagnosed at the age of 24. In the opening ceremony, she described the difficulty of undergoing treatment while working, attending school and baring the effects it had on her family.
“When I was finally able to stand I had to relearn how to walk,” said Guttenberg. “My brother would leave work just to come help me walk the hospital hallways so that I can regain my strength.”
Two years, later she continues to fight cancer and asks others to do the same.
“It is very important that we do our best in order to find the cure for this horrible disease. “There are more than 300 different types of cancer, she said. “Chemotherapy is not a cure for all cancers. It simply prolongs life. I myself have been through over 40 treatments.”
During a three-year partnership with the American Cancer Society, St. John’s University has raised more than $150,000. Money raised at the event supports cancer research, education, advocacy patient and family services in the community. Donations are still being accepted
“It is time for a change. Time to find a real cure,” said Guttenberg.” “I stand here tonight to inspire you all and to encourage you to do your part so that one day this world will be cancer free.”