Fighting Cancer, Virtually

Not even a global pandemic could stop the New York Tech community from coming together for a good cause. While the annual Relay For Life event, scheduled for April 24-25, may have been canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis, New York Tech still managed to raise significant funds to benefit the American Cancer Society.

This marks the eleventh year in a row New York Tech has supported Relay for Life, which is organized on campus by the Office of Student Life. This year, the school raised $8,352.63; last year the community raised $937. And the initiative to assist the American Cancer Society in fighting one of the leading causes of death is not ending here. Next year, they're setting a goal of raising $15,000!

 “The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem,” explains Morgan Wright, community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “Our mission is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.” 

The student leader raising the most money individually was electrical and computer engineering student Eboni Odom. She also is president of the Campus Programming Board. “I raised $245.50 on my own, and as an organization, the Campus Programming Board raised $540.50.”

“I think it is important for everyone to acknowledge that cancer never sleeps. Some of us are more fortunate than others, and in times like this we need to continue supporting those who are vulnerable or have existing medical issues that make them more susceptible to other viruses,” added Odom. 

Cancer is a disease that affects people all around the world, making it difficult for many families, friends, and communities. “For me, it is imperative that I do everything I can to support the American Cancer Society because I myself have a history of cancer on my mother's side,” said Odom. “Cancer has no prejudice. It affects people in all walks of life, of any race, any age, and in any nation. So, I truly believe that we, as a community, need to give back to those families fighting this disease.” 

“I have to say that while a physical event was unable to happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to personally thank the entire New York Tech community on behalf of the American Cancer Society for their work this year,” added Wright.