Relay for Life volunteers make strides in cancer fight.

Jennifer Weiss (BBA ’06), past president of the college’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter, lost her mother to breast cancer a little more than two years ago. And though her mother wasn’t there to watch the commitment shown by approximately 150 volunteers in the Relay for Life of Blue Lagoon on May 19-20, 2006, many survivors were.

“Of all the attendees, it was the cancer survivors who were the most enthusiastic and appreciative of the event. That’s what made all the work worthwhile to me,” said Weiss, AMA team captain—a role she also played in 2005—and one of the fundraising board members in 2006.

Every step translates into hope.

Participants in the Relay for Life hug the Miami Heat mascot.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society (ACS), Relay for Life is a unique overnight celebration of life in honor and in memory of those touched by cancer. Teams gather at public places—schools, fairgrounds, or parks, for example—and take turns walking or running laps all night long.

The walk-a-thon in which Weiss participated took place in the area between the two FedEx buildings in the Blue Lagoon area and raised $28,500 for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) many programs, including research and education.

The fundraising began months before the actual walk through three major efforts that enabled AMA to raise $3,000 before the Relay itself.

“These events were very valuable because they allowed me to realize how much money single individuals can raise through spreading the word and marketing for a great cause,” Weiss said.

Weiss feels mother’s presence.

Even though her mother wasn’t there physically, Weiss felt particularly close to her during the traditional Luminaria Ceremony. Participants lit candles in memory of those who have been lost to cancer and especially to recognize those who are surviving and thriving.

Participants in the Relay for Life of Blue Lagoon celebrate their achievement.

“When almost all the other candles had burned out, my mom's was still glowing strong. It felt as though she were inside the flame, making her presence felt,” Weiss said.

Partnership between college and business will likely persist.

Relay for Life of Blue Lagoon brought together the community of Blue Lagoon—a professional sector of Miami with many university associations and home to corporations such as Burger King, Oracle, and Hewlett Packard. Though it took added effort to convince the corporate world to partner with a university group, Weiss feels it was worth it.

“Once you have the commitment of a business, the bond is a lot stronger and more likely to be long term,” she said.

Don’t be left behind.

Florida International University’s Accounting Association (FIU-AA) participated in the second annual FIU Relay for Life on campus earlier in the spring. More than 2,000 students, faculty, staff, friends, and family members participated on forty-seven teams and raised more than $60,000.

The college offers many opportunities to get involved. The events are fun, worthwhile, and an essential part of being a socially-responsible future business person. Check out the student organizations that interest you and the Civic Engagement Initiative for ideas so that you can contribute your time, talent, and compassion. Your involvement looks good on your resume and feels good to your heart.