SLU PT Students Serve with Relay for Life to Support the American Cancer Society

SLU PT Student Service Spotlight - Relay for Life

By Alysa Janke, DPT Class of 2023

This year’s SLU Relay for Life was a huge success! While the shift to a virtual platform proved to be difficult, the members of Relay’s Executive and Event Leadership Teams rose to the challenge and put on an incredible event to support the American Cancer Society. SLU Relay raised $72,295.17, all of which goes toward services like Hope Lodge (free residence for people going through cancer treatment), a 24/7 cancer helpline, and experimental research programs aiming toward curing cancer. 

Relay had a large population of healthcare science majors on their Event Leadership Team this year, including several Physical Therapy and Nursing majors. The Executive Team also had PT representation coming from PY1s Amy Eckardt (Communications Chair), Alysa Janke (Overall Co-Chair), and Alex Suellentrop (Administration Chair). 

The website from Relay’s event is still active, and you can view it at slurelayforlife2021.org. As always, you can check out our Facebook page for information on how you can participate in next year’s Relay!

Story by Kristin Hrasky

SLU PT StuCo Raises Money for Relay For Life

On Saturday, April 1st, SLU PT StuCo and others from the Saint Louis University community fought back against a disease that affects everyone in some way - cancer. More than $139,000 was raised by SLU Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, with StuCo raising $1,396. All of the proceeds raised by Relay for Life go to the American Cancer Society in order to fund a nationwide cause to put an end to cancer.

Anthony Lorenger and Clarine Stephens with other members of the Event Leadership Team

SLU PT Students Anthony Lorenger (DPT Class of 2022) and Clarine Stephens (DPT Class of 2019) were part of the Event Leadership team and on the same committee that helped coordinate Saturday's event. This is the 14th year for Relay on SLU's campus. Over the years, Saint Louis University has raised more than $1.9 million as part of this fundraiser, benefitting cancer research, patient care, recovery programs, education and more. Funds even help our local community. We have the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in St. Louis, which provides free lodging and transportation to cancer patients and their care givers while they are in treatment.

Anthony Lorenger (left) pictured with fellow cancer survivors Justyna and Dean.

"Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back." SLU's Relay for Life event takes time to celebrate those who have been affected by cancer, remember those we've lost, and motivate others to finish strong. During the Fight Back Ceremony, Anthony shared his story as a survivor during his speech.

Thank you to all who particiapted and donated.

Visit the PT Stuco Relay for Life Team Page to make a donation.

Are you a survivor or know a cancer survivor? Email slusurvivors@gmail.com.