A Celebration of Life

After seeing three grandparents battle with cancer and losing a best friend to leukemia, one SIUC student has had enough with a disease that has wreaked havoc on the lives of the ones she loves.

"It sucked the life out of them," said Tina Poliska, a graduate student from Rochelle studying physical education. "To see someone go through that is extremely hard."

Poliska will be one of hundreds participating in today's Relay for Life, which begins at 6 p.m. at McAndrew Stadium. It is an opportunity for Carbondale residents to aid the American Cancer Society through fund raising for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. Participants have teams of 10 to 15 people who walk the track for 12 hours. Each team has raised a minimum of $100 for a commitment fee, but most teams have far surpassed the minimum. The two-day event will begin with the Survivor Victory Lap, which recognizes cancer survivors who walk a lap around the track. Fran Miley, an American Cancer Society income development representative, said the Survivor Victory Lap inspires the people who watch it. "It's a really amazing feeling, and it fills the body with hope," Miley said. "They're living proof that people can beat this disease. It fills you with wonderful emotions."

There are several activities scheduled, including performances by the Susan Barnes Dance Studio, Lake of Egypt Barbershop Chorus and the Luminaria Ceremony. Miley said the Luminarias, candles in white paper bags, will line the inside of the track where the teams will be walking. Individuals and teams have sold them to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Each bag will bear the names of the deceased friends and family and survivors. During the Luminaria Ceremony, all activities will cease, and the candles will be lit around the track in honor of those who have passed on from the disease and those who have survived it.

"It gives you goose bumps," Miley said. "There are mixed emotions of sadness and joy because you're honoring those people who have lived and those who have passed on." Kara Dunkel, an event co-chair, said she would be on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints team. Dunkel said her team was awarded the Bronze Level of Contribution award, meaning they raised more than $1,500 for the cause. Dunkel said she has been involved with Relay for Life several times before and is especially moved by the Luminaria Ceremony.

"I thought that they were very moving," Dunkel said. "To remember those people who had been suffering and honor them is important." Miley said she was pleased with the diverse turnout of teams that include University students, teachers, businesses, locals and church groups. "That's the marvelous thing about Relay," Miley said. "There's so many different groups that come together for the cause, and that's important because cancer doesn't discriminate who it affects." Poliska, Dunkel and Miley urge the University community to come and enjoy the event. "I think it's important that people realize whether they come out for an hour or a day that this relay will touch their lives," Miley said.

The Jackson County-Carbondale site will be at the SIU McAndrew Stadium from today to Saturday. It will take place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. To contact your local American Cancer Society chapter, call 1-800-642-7792 or visit the national Web site at www.cancer.org