Relay for Life Returns to Stony Brook University

Students, faculty and community members gathered at the Student Activities Center (SAC) Plaza on April 25 as the American Cancer Society (ACS) chapter at Stony Brook University hosted its first Relay for Life event since the COVID-19 pandemic put the tradition on pause.

The event included student organizations, performances, fundraising activities and remembrance ceremonies to honor cancer survivors, caregivers and those who lost their lives, while raising money for ACS.

"This is not just another club on a list, but a community with real purpose, showing up for something bigger than ourselves," said ACS at Stony Brook founder and president Cameron Takmil during the opening ceremony.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in relay laps around SAC Plaza and listened to live performances from groups including Music and Medicine. There were also many opportunities to donate via raffles and decorate luminaria bags to honor loved ones impacted by cancer.

According to Takmil, the return of Relay for Life to campus was the result of months of student-led organizing and collaboration between several clubs and volunteers.

"We are here because every 15 seconds, someone hears the words 'you have cancer,'" Takmil said during the ceremony. "Together, we can change it."

Among those attending the event was Patricia Bishop-Kelly, vice chair of the American Cancer Society Board of Advisors on Long Island and a volunteer leader with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACSCAN).

Bishop-Kelly attended the event to connect with students interested in advocacy work through ACSCAN, the public policy and advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society.

"We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer," Bishop-Kelly said, adding that she was impressed by the level of student involvement and commitment throughout the day.

"The entire student team did an amazing job of organizing, soliciting gifts from local vendors and businesses for raffles, arranging for in-person entertainment and engaging the entire student body to participate and support this event," she said.

Bishop-Kelly added that she plans to mentor students interested in becoming legislative ambassadors and engaging in cancer advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels.

One of the event's most reflective moments came during the luminaria ceremony, where illuminated bags bearing names and messages lined the relay route.

As soft music played, participants joined together for a silent lap in honor of cancer survivors, caregivers and loved ones lost to the disease.

"What you see around you right now, these bags, these lights, these names, this is the most sacred part of our day," Takmil said during the ceremony.

The ceremony emphasized remembrance, hope and community support, core elements of Relay for Life events held around the world.

The event concluded with a final fundraising push, raffle drawings, and a closing community lap celebrating the event's success.

Takmil and other organizers said they hope the event's revival marks the beginning of a renewed annual tradition dedicated to cancer awareness, advocacy, and community support at Stony Brook.

- Lily Miller