SALISBURY, Md. - In a continual effort to support the community, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Athletic Department once again participated in the annual Relay for Life movement at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium this past weekend.
UMES received an enormous turnout by student-athletes, coaches, staff members, friends and family members who raised money and walked in honor and memory of those who have been affected by cancer.
The UMES Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) set a goal to raise $1,000 with the participation of all Hawk teams and exceeded this goal with a grand total of $1,155.97 going to the American Cancer Society.
"This event was a huge success," said Martha Perez-Schmitz, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Services and Compliance. "We had great participation from all the teams, and we were able to support a cause that is very dear to all of the athletic department.”
Relay for Life is a cause that has personally affected the UMES Athletic Department, with former head coach and UMES Hall of Famer Sharon Brummell being a cancer survivor. In her honor, and for all of those families and friends that have been touched by this terrible disease, the UMES Athletic Department is proud to raise money for such a great cause.
The event kicked off early Friday evening with the opening ceremony celebration, and was followed by a lap by survivors and caregivers.
The evening also included the naming of Miss Relay. The Hawks were represented by sophomore baseball player Troy Anderson, who was named Miss Congeniality, raising $84 in half an hour during the contest.
Seven Hawks staff members and student-athletes stayed the entire night, leaving the campsite and stadium around 6 a.m. Saturday morning.
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. It offers everyone in the community an opportunity to partake in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. The relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.
Overall, the event has brought together more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue the fight and allows everyone to remember loved ones who have been lost to the disease.