Sometimes changing the world isn’t that easy. I lost my grandpa this past week to cancer, and although current medical capabilities allowed us to prolong his life for close to three years, the cancer that killed him could not be stopped. As an aerospace engineer, I even crossed disciplines to try to find a cure by working on a cancer drug alongside chemical engineers.
You see, the problem may be the world’s, but the solution is up to us. We are the scientists and engineers that hold the keys to discovery, and no responsibility is as paramount, for human innovation has never had a greater cause than life itself.
As our loved ones move on, our torch of hope continues to burn brightly. One need only to walk this campus to know. A mosaic of talent and dreams that can only lead to future breakthroughs presents itself through diverse genres of technical training. Look deeper. There too, you will find a portrait of hope: volunteers, loving parents, caring neighbors, and patient friends.
It is this framework of support that has helped my family and I cope with my grandfather’s loss. It is this framework that can help us find a cure.
Every year, millions of people turn out for the American Cancer Society’s Relays for Life. This year, the relay is coming to our campus and we have a tremendous opportunity to raise money for cancer research. The event kickoff was held this past Wednesday, which marks the period for team signups that lasts until the actual relay begins at 7 pm on April 21.
Here lies my call to you. By forming a team or volunteering for the event, you can make a personal contribution to helping find a cure and making Rensselaer’s first Relay for Life a success. We need teams of eight to fifteen to sign up to walk or run together or as a tag-team throughout the night. Doing so obligates you to obtain donations or pledges from individuals and businesses. Some companies typically challenge participants with a certain monetary contribution for every lap they walk or run.
Each year the money raised by the American Cancer Society is allocated to hundreds of new researchers. One result of this, for example, is that the drug Gleevec was recently developed to effectively battle a deadly form of leukemia. Money also goes to advocating for prioritization of federal research dollars on a state and federal level.
In addition to the relay, a luminaria ceremony will light the track and grandstands in memory of those who we have lost to cancer. Of course, we also celebrate our victories against cancer by honoring survivors and caregivers by having them lead the first lap of the relay.
Doing all of this requires a lot of help. If you cannot participate on a team, there are other ways you can contribute. Together, we can find a cure. Ten million survivors are with us today thanks to the work of millions, and the memories of millions more join us in our hearts as we fight on.
To find out how or to find out more about the Relay for Life, please contact Theresa Kersch in the Health Center or student coordinator Meghan Kate at katem@rpi.edu.
There are also shirts for the Relay for Life that may be purchased for $10. Please contact IFC President Santosh Vaghela at vaghes@rpi.edu to obtain yours today.
