University of Akron students complete virtual Relay for Life

University of Akron students may be staying at home due to COVID-19, but they are still finding ways to care for others.

On April 18, UA students, faculty, staff and friends traded in an annual in-person Relay For Life at Central Hower High School to come together online to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

This year’s online UA Relay For Life event featured 13 teams, raising a total of $5,366 over six hours. Teams were diverse, representing Greek organizations, student academic and social clubs, individuals and University departments.

The event was broadcast on the groups’ Facebook and Instagram social media accounts in stories, posts, live videos and an online auction. It included activities for participants to do at home including a toilet paper stacking contest, TikTok Dance challenge, and a virtual scavenger hunt along with themed laps, ACS mission information, and fundraising encouragement. Posts were interactive and participants could join in the fun by posting on their stories and accounts and tagging the organizers on Instagram: akronagainstcancer or Facebook: Relay for Life of the University of Akron.

While the amount raised and the number of teams participating was much lower than in previous years, student organizer Abigail Schreiner, president of Akron Against Cancer, a UA student organization, felt it was important that the event continue in some fashion.

“Last year we raised close to $30,000 from 30 teams for the American Cancer Society and had a few hundred participants come to the event,” Schreiner said. “While we were unsure how many would participate this year, we know that any amount makes a difference in the fight against cancer.”

In addition to Relay For Life, the student group also works to promote direct volunteerism with the American Cancer Society. The group typically visits Hope Lodge in Cleveland, a place where cancer patients and their caregivers can stay for free during their cancer treatment. The group typically makes a meal for those who are staying there and plays games to brighten their day. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 pandemic and this group being susceptible, the Hope Lodge is closed, and students were not able to make a visit during the spring semester. 

Schreiner, a senior public relations major from Wadsworth, has been involved in Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society since the eighth grade. Her first Relay was in June of 2013 at the Medina County Relay for Life.

“I have lost family members to cancer, and I put my all into it every year,” Schreiner said. “I had a close friend at UA be diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year and this pushed me to give the most I could to fight back for her. She has so much strength and is such an inspiration to me.”

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd @uakron.edu.