Final Project for MMST

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Final Meeting

Last night, the committee met to discuss the pros and cons of this year's Relay for Life. We also had some pizza and talked about the fun times and how many of us don't remember the night. A rule was made that people need to nap during the night next year or at least get up and walk around. We made a large list of pros and only have one con, Some pros were the paper lanterns, the theme laps, and the bonfire. The paper lanterns were a good addition to the luminaria ceremony, except we needed to give more direction. Many of the committee members had lanterns they wanted to set off so there was a shortage of lighters for the others with the lanterns. The theme laps were set by Julie and they consisted of an hour activity in each lap. Some examples were water balloons, three legged lap, and the egg holding lap. These got great feedback because people were kept active during the laps instead of just walking. We really loved the bonfire, not only because it kept us warm, but because we got s'mores and it added a nice ambiance. Another thing that was discussed at this meeting was next year's theme. We established that is was not fair to hold a vote for the theme without the new committee members, but many voted with my theme of 'Survivor'! I have created challenges for a whole Survivor challenge during the night so it should be fun. Also, the theme definitely incorporates another bonfire. The official vote will either be at the end of the week or at the beginning of next year. Until then: Outlive, Outwill, and Outlast Cancer.

Promo for Relay Survivor

Interview with Mandi

I sat down with one of my fellow committee members to talk about her experience with Mercyhurst's relay and relay in general. It was short and sweet, but I could tell that Mandi really loves participating in Relay for Life. It's good to have a dedicated member like herself working hard to plan this event. Here is the interview:

Me: why do you relay?
Mandi: i relay because of my aunts who have had breast cancer and survived it and for my pappy who has also survived cancer

Me: was this your first relay?
Mandi: in high school I was on a team but was unbale to walk the day off, so yes this was my first

Me: why did you want to be on the committee and not just a team?
Mandi: well i wanted to experience the hard work the committee goes through each year

Me: what was your favorite part about planning relay and what was your favorite part the day of?
Mandi: my favorite part of planning was the bonding all the committee members had, we all got to know each other really well. day of, i dont have a favorite part. the whole time i was there was my favorite

Mandi's family also participated in this year's Relay for Life. Many committee members had family members visit for the event because it is a great bonding experience. My mom came because she lost two sisters to ovarian cancer and has a brother and sister in remission. This is the perfect opportunity to show her that I am supporting her and her family because I am so involved in Relay. It is a great feeling to see how proud my parents are when I dedicate my time to such a fantastic cause.

Post Relay

Mercyhurst University's Relay For Life was a success! We raised more than our goal of $25,000 and we had more participants than we hoped for. It was cold, but we made it through. I am still not as rested as I would like to be, but I am getting there. I slept from 1-6 after the event ended on Saturday, then again from 9pm-11am. I could hardly walk the next day because I was so sore. I also do not remember anything during Friday night/Saturday morning.

At 11pm, a bonfire was started so participants could roast marshmallows. At 1pm, mostly everyone was gone or sleeping in their tents (the few, the brave). I was one of 5 who stayed up all 24hours and it was not because I wanted to. I was forced and I am not doing that again. Staring into a fire for 9 straight hours was not something I feel the need to do again either. The bonfire lasted until 10am the next morning and I think it was the only thing that kept many of us alive.

The heat and a combination of dancing and screaming "Call Me Maybe" at the top of our lungs seemed to give us new life. I can't tell you how many times I jumped around to that song, but it was what kept me going. Besides that song, the best part of Relay 2012 were the hundreds of bagels that got delivered on Saturday morning. When I asked Jo's Brooklyn Bagels to donate they said "sure, we will give you leftover bagels, probably a tub." They came with about 8 tubs! It was crazy, we will be eating bagels for months! Even after fighting the cold and the urge to sleep, I am so thankful I participated in this Relay. The people I met on the Committee are amazing and they have become good friends. We are a wild bunch and I am glad many will be returning for next year's Relay. I am sad to see the seniors go, but hopefully they will come visit. Relay bonding isn't yet, we still get to have a cookout and eat the leftover hotdogs! We are also having a meeting next week to decide on next years theme.

Relay Update #2

Hitting the half way point right now. I'm so tired, I'm so cold, I want to sleep on the sidewalk. I am dreading going in the tent to find my blanket that has been sitting in the wind all night. I really shouldn't be complaining but I am a little person, I get cold so easily. I strategically volunteered for booths in hope that I will stay awake. At this point I think sleep with not be beneficial. Once I'm out I won't wake up, or I will take a nap and be extremely grumpy. Wish us luck.

Relay Update #1

We are 3 hours into Relay for Life, 7 hours if you are on the Committee. It was freezing this morning, but as the sun comes out it feels nicer. It is still very chilly which is making me more tired than I already was. I have realized that while not drinking coffee and pop is healthy, it sucks for today. I have been chugging tea to keep me caffeinated. Hopefully getting some food and water in me will help keep my energy up. Wish us luck.

Weather Update

NO MORE RAIN ON SATURDAY, but still same temperature for Friday.