Collegiate Times

It's at these meetings that some of the team members also share why they choose to do Relay.

Mina Dombalagian sat next to Anna and willingly stepped up to offer her story first.

"I did RFL in high school, and I was always involved with activities for cancer awareness and research," she paused before she went on, "My uncle passed away a month ago from cancer. I was very close to him."

It was obvious that her emotional ties to Relay were just as strong as her fearless leader's.

Emily Hagen also offered her story, speaking about her four years of experience in high school RFL.

"One of my best friend's little sister had cancer; she passed away my senior year. She's really the reason why I've been doing this for so long," Hagen said. "I also lost my grandmother to cancer."

She went on to talk about her rather unorthodox method of fundraising.

"I kind of duped my parents, I sent them both e-mails and didn't tell them that the other one had gotten an e-mail also," Hagen laughed. "And so they both cut me checks for $50. When my mom called to tell me that she sent the money I was just like, 'That's funny, dad sent one, too.' It was pretty funny." 

Whitney Leet, another team member, is going through the process of Relay for the first time.

"I was friends with Anna, and I heard from her that she was forming a team," Leet said. "Also, recently my aunt was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer and three of my family members are participating in Relay at all different colleges."

That seemed to be a common thread among most of these teammates - Relay For Life is a family affair. Multiple family members from people on the team are traveling, mostly from Philadelphia, to help out with the event and show their support.

"My parents were really coming down for the Spring Game," joked Chris Lowry, "But I convinced them to come support me at Relay for a little bit."

Lowry went on to explain that this is his first time in Relay, and has been very fortunate to not have been affected personally by cancer.

"I really didn't have any personal experiences when it came to cancer, I just all of a sudden got a Facebook message from Anna asking me to be on the

team," Lowry said. "Seeing her get so excited about it really got me excited for Relay."

Eric Karn, another team member, also brought family in on his Relay experience, although not in the way that he had initially expected. 

"I was really surprised when my brother donated $50," Karn said. "Especially because he is just out of college and has to pay off a ton of loans. It was just really cool."

Anna is not alone when it comes to experiencing the loss of a grandparent. Eric has shared that tragedy.

"I've lost three relatives to cancer, two of my grandparents and my uncle died this past summer," Karn said. "Stuff like Relay is just about giving." 

Courtney Roy, a friend of Anna's since the pair was barely out of elementary school, expressed how she was motivated simply through their strong friendship.

"I have never lost anyone to cancer, so I feel really fortunate," Roy said. "I have known Anna for so many years, that I wanted to help."

Tobia herself just returned from Georgetown's RFL event, attending to support her sister in her last year as a director.

"Pretty much my whole family was there," Tobia said, "But they can't really make it to mine, which is not that big of a deal. I told them that they can come when I'm a director, but it's also good because they feel bad for not coming and send more money."

With a full team of 18 ready to storm the Drillfield Friday at 6 p.m., they are anxiously awaiting friends and family pouring in, stocking up on warm clothes, food, mini grills, and baked goods to sell.

"I got Apples to Apples at Target, I can't wait." Tobia said.

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