About 30 people gathered around the rock on Farm Lane Thursday night with candles blazing. Their purpose: To honor cancer survivors and the memories of friends and loved ones lost to cancer.
The second annual Battle Against Cancer candlelight vigil marked the official start of the 2001 Battle Against Cancer fund-raising program.
Battle Against Cancer founder and RHA external vice president Nick Kovacic expressed his wish for every student at MSU to develop a passion for beating the disease.
“I can’t tell you what that means to so many people,” the communication sophomore said. “Someone out there needs it, and needs us to do this right now.”
The goal of Battle Against Cancer is to raise $43,189, or $1 per MSU student.
“Our goal is possible - it’s very possible,” said Battle Against Cancer co-president and RHA internal vice president Jim McEvoy. “It can be done.”
Molly Buckman, a social work junior and director of the MSU Cancer Support Network, was among those gathered around the rock. A three-time cancer survivor, Buckman spoke about the importance of donations to cancer research, and what they meant to her life.
“Someone was able to raise money back in the ’80s for the research that saved my life,” Buckman said.
“Cancer can be beaten, and I’ve come for all those who didn’t have the chance to beat it. My candle represents me.”
According to the American Cancer society, more than 552,200 people will die of cancer this year. Cancer is the second leading cause of the death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease.
“Each candle is in honor of someone who fought cancer and lost, or fought and survived,” said Natalie Zien, vigil coordinator and social relations junior.
“Every candle holds a memory for each one of you. By joining the fight in Battle Against Cancer, we want to make sure no candle ever has to go out.”
Music education junior Mary Finn said going to the vigil inspired her to attend more Battle Against Cancer fund-raising events this semester.
“I think it’s really important to fight against cancer and to change lives for the better,” Finn said.
Upcoming Battle Against Cancer events for February include Friday’s Bash on Cancer, a Feb. 13 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a Feb. 23 movies at the Campus Center and a Feb. 27 Improv Night.
“Wake up every morning, and think about what you’re doing, and wonder if you can do more,” Kovacic said. “I want to do this today, because someday, someone isn’t going to have to.”
For more information about Battle Against Cancer events or volunteer opportunities, contact Kovacic at nick@battleagainstcancer.org. or McEvoy at jim@battleagainstcancer.org.
