An Interview with the People That Make Relay Happen

Melora Walen and Jeni Politano are the Mercyhurst Relay for Life co-chairs. Melora is a senior, History major and Jeni is a sophomore, Pre-Ocupational Therapy and Special Education major. They put countless hours into planning the event and leading others to help and participate. I sat down with my two friends, while they answered some questions about Relay and had some fun.

The Relay Exec Board, wearing pink bars for Breast Cancer

What made you want to get so involved with Relay For Life?

M.  Fighting cancer is an important cause. My roommate was very into Relay, so she got me involved.

Jeni at Relay

J.    I joined Relay for Life because I have had many family members who have passed away from cancer and it effects people’s lives everyday. Also, the disease takes such a physical as well as emotional toll on a person that I want to help the cause.

What is your favorite part about planning Relay For Life?

M.   Getting to know the people involved and bonding with them throughout the process.

J.    “Telling people what to do”- Melora “No, I love when everything comes together during the days of Relay. It is a great feeling, seeing all we accomplished.” -Jeni

What does a world without cancer mean to you?

M.   A less stressful world. A world without Relay… which would be sad, but a good thing. Less heartache.

J.   A lot more happy people, celebrating more birthdays. It also allows us to put money towards other diseases to those who also need it.

How many hours have you spent planning this event?

M.     Gee, about 10 hours a week. Since June. Soooo….. 500 hours? Minimum. I email a lotttt…. “Yeah, she sends soo many emails!”-Jeni

J.     One whole hour. No I’m kidding. Days, Weeks, 2-3 hours a weekend. Idk, so much time.

What are your goals for the upcoming Relay?

M.     No one gets burnt by the bonfire. And I would like to make our goal of $25,000.

J.   To raise $25,000 dollars and to have 20 faculty join and 500 students. 

M. Wow 500 students!? Last year we had 250!

 J. Doublin’ it up… BAM!

What Relay event are you most excited for?

M.     The paper lanterns, because it is the first time we have done them.

J.     The bouncy house

M. There is a bouncy house!?

J. Yeah a team is doing it! But seriously, the Romantic Era is coming so that will be awesome.

How many hours will you be awake on the days of Relay?

M.    More than 24, because that is the actually event. So probably 30 plus with setting up and taking down.

J.     Lets think, I’ll be waking up at 7am so 7 until… something. About 30 hours. After its over, I’m crashing.

What do you think people should know before participating in Relay For Life?

M.    They should know the meaning behind the event and giving twenty four hours of your time is worth it because we can find a cure. They should also be prepared and know what to bring. Like money, clothing, etc.

J.     GET INVOLVED! MAKE A TEAM, MAKE A TRADITION OF IT. Put away a night of drinking and come save lives. Cha Ching, bada bada bing… Don’t say that I said that.

Melora with a friend at a Relay Tye-dye event

What are 3 items everyone should bring to Relay? Why?

M.     Can I put them into groups? Clothing: Different outfits for the theme laps, Sleeping Gear: blankets, pillows, etc., and money to participate in other teams activities.

J.     A Tent, Layers of Clothing, 5 Hour Energy, Bring a smile is the fourth.

What is your favorite part about the Relay event?

M.     The Luminaria Ceremony, because it is emotional and it highlights the hardships and struggles people go through and shows why we Relay.

J.     Realizing how much money we made and seeing how many people participate. Oh and seeing if we beat the other schools (Gannon) muahahaha!!