Something different for Relay For Life
John Rhoads, CT Staff Writer
April 26, 2007
Last Friday night and Saturday morning at Relay for Life something amazing happened in Blacksburg, amidst absolute tragedy. Brandon Guichard, a junior finance and human resource management major ran 32 miles; One for each of the victims of 4/16. "We weren't sure whether or not (the relay) was going to be cancelled. A lot of people were out of town. I was already going to run with the German Club." Brandon was running simply to support the cause, "Thankfully no one I know has been directly affected by cancer."
"Then we found out that it was a celebration of life, both for those suffering and surviving through cancer and for the victims on 4/16. That two-pronged idea really made me want to do it," said Brandon. He said that he wanted to do it for the community. The relay was changed from its normal team style competition into group run.
The Relay for Life is typically an event that is meant to raise money for cancer research and treatment. It begins with a survivor lap, where cancer survivors run a first lap and are cheered on throughout by everyone in attendance. There are normally contests, and teams dress up in themes. The event is light-hearted, yet meaningful. There are musical acts to keep everyone entertained, and it lasts from Friday at 7 p.m. until Saturday after sunrise. Virginia Tech is normally one of the leading universities in terms of money raised for the event.
This year, however, the Relay for Life was anything but typical. Everyone had a new reason to come out. "I ran out of frustration. We all had that feeling of helplessness and it was just too hard to put into words; like at the convocation and candlelight. I was talking with someone, and we were saying how the pictures, ribbons and images--the symbols were the things that stood out the most. I just felt that it was best way to honor the victims," Guichard said.
Previously Brandon had only run 15 miles at one time, less that half of those he ran on Friday. "It was 128 laps, and I felt every step. The last mile was the hardest, I was really feeling it. The support of friends who ran and the words of encouragement were very important. Friends were running with me and they would take turns doing laps, like in a relay style. The strength of the community really pushed me forward."
Even after his amazing feat, Brandon credits all those who surrounded him for being a very essential crutch in his success. "I just want to thank everyone who was there; I couldn't have done it without them. Those who ran the last mile with me; that was great. I felt the strength of Virginia Tech and all of Blacksburg. I want to thank everyone in the community, even if you weren't there, I still felt your strength. I have no idea how I ran 32 miles, but I did feel 32 angels carrying me."