The American Cancer Society’s Colleges Against Cancer program at Shippensburg University hosted its annual Relay for Life event Friday night at the ShipRec Center.
The event, aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer research, brought students together to support survivors, honor those lost and inspire hope for those still fighting.
Colleges Against Cancer is a student-run initiative under the American Cancer Society that encourages college students to advocate for cancer patients and educate others about signs and risk factors.
Relay for Life kicked off at 6 p.m. and ran until 3 a.m., offering a nearly all-night experience. Students had to register in advance, with many signing up to honor loved ones — whether they were survivors, fighters or those who have passed.
The ShipRec Center was well-prepared for the long evening. A DJ booth energized the crowd, with students able to request songs and dance with their friends. Games like Connect Four and cornhole kept everyone entertained before the official program began.
Once the event formally started, the president of Colleges Against Cancer welcomed attendees and spoke about the organization’s mission. “Supporting our Survivors” was the central theme of the night.
To educate and inspire, several cancer survivors shared their stories, bringing the event’s message to life. One of those speakers was Diana Jefferson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs and a proud member of the Shippensburg community.
Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011, Jefferson recalled the moment that changed her life.
“The doctor did a bone marrow test. It was the worst experience of my life, but I got through it. When I came back for the results, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. ‘What? Me? Not me.’ Something just came over me. I was stunned. That was the last thing in the world I expected to hear.”
The diagnosis left her feeling lost and alone, but things shifted when she connected with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She soon traveled to Philadelphia to meet with a doctor who told her she had only a few years left, yet she shares her story today.
“Don’t believe the hype. Don’t believe what everybody tells you because here I stand, talking to you after three bone marrow transplants and more hospital visits than I can count.”
Jefferson rallied students to fight for one another and reminded them of the power of community. At one point, she even had the crowd stand and throw punches in the air — symbolizing their fight.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, white, yellow, brown, polka dot. It will come after you. I was healthy, never smoked a day in my life, but cancer came. Always remember — we must fight.”
Two other women also shared powerful testimonies. One of them, Sabrina, spoke on behalf of her sister, Kayla.
“My sister, at the age of 30, was diagnosed with Stage 3, Level 2, triple-negative infiltrating carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. She has been such an inspiration throughout this journey.”
The final speaker of the night was Jenna, a young woman diagnosed just one year before she was set to graduate college. For months, Jenna assumed she had the flu until one night, she coughed up blood and was rushed to the ICU.
“They found a mass on my lung. When they told me, the first thing I thought was, ‘I’m not supposed to die before my parents.’”
Jenna was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs), a rare and slow-growing form of cancer. Doctors believed she had been living with the cancer for years, even while remaining active as a cheerleader and dance team member. Eventually, a second mass was discovered, but after another surgery, she was cleared.
“I’ve now been cancer-free for almost two years. I still get scans regularly. I continue to dance, live fully and encourage those around me.”
These inspiring speeches set the tone for the rest of the evening. Students took several laps around the gym to officially begin Relay for Life, followed by lively performances from the university’s dance troupe, rounds of trivia, a freeze dance competition with the DJ and food including pizza and hot dogs.
As the night continued past midnight, events like musical chairs and a tug-of-war with SUPD kept spirits high. Students left the event energized, inspired and reminded of the strength found in unity and resilience.
To learn more about Colleges Against Cancer or to stay updated on upcoming events, follow its Instagram page: @shipu_cac.
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