New Paltz Sports Information Department
New Paltz, NY — On Sept. 30, the State University of New York at New Paltz held its inaugural "Relay for Life" walkathon, raising money through the organization itself to support the American Cancer Society, and to join the fight against cancer. The 12-hour-long fundraiser held at the North Turf spanned from noon to midnight, and the light and darkness of the day represented the light and darkness of the battle cancer patients and supporters feel throughout their journeys.
The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held the event. SAAC President Madison Mullman, also a player on the Hawks women's basketball team, spearheaded the fundraiser. The event sat close for Mullman, as her mother is a two-time cancer survivor. The event was also created with help from coaches Randy Vite (women's lacrosse) and Matt Giufre (women's volleyball), as well as Senior Director of Athletic Communications Monica D'Ippolito.
The walk commenced with an honorary first lap for those battling cancer and caregivers of patients. Judi Cooney, a cancer survivor and mother of women's basketball senior Erin Cooney, led the way on the first lap to kickstart the day. For the next 12 hours, the track was filled with people supporting the cause. Games and activities were offered, along with luminarias, which were available for purchase. Sorority Alpha Kappa Phi joined the cause as well and offered mini flowerpots for people to paint while at the walk. At 7 p.m., the track was illuminated with the luminarias, and a lap of silence was walked to honor loved ones and those lost to cancer.
This fundraiser was for an important and imminent cause. Cancer accounts for almost one in four deaths and is the second leading cause of death in the United States, only exceeded by heart disease. By the end of the year, 1.7 million people are expected to be newly diagnosed with cancer, and 600,000 are expected to die from the disease.
In total, $8,730.40 was raised for the American Cancer Society through the event, and the walk is intended to become an annual fundraiser for SUNY New Paltz.
