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ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ’s Panther pride was in full force at Relay for Life on Friday, April 6, 2018, resulting in $44,000 raised for the American Cancer Society. The 950+ attendees at ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ’s biggest student event of the year enjoyed performances from ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ student groups as well as free food, prizes and giveaways.

, special assistant to the president and an 11-year survivor of breast cancer, kicked off the event with a powerful, inspiring speech. Caregiver-speaker Mikayla VanAlphen then wrapped up the opening ceremony before everyone began their laps.

While some team members walked around the track, others donated their hair or remained at their designated “campsite” in the gymnasium to collect donations, which counted toward their overall fundraising goals. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ’s special walks included a community fundraising walk, a Survivors Lap and a Luminaria Walk to honor those who lost their battles with cancer.

covered the proceedings, which were particularly significant for the Frantino family. Gina Frantino, 19, who studies psychology at ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, attended Relay for Life with her 14-year-old brother, Paulie, to honor the memory of their sister Desiree (who passed away in 2014 from acute myeloid leukemia) as well as their own struggles with cancer. Paulie recently underwent chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant to treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and Gina is currently battling the same condition. Gina told News 12 Long Island that events like Relay for Life are life saving—they help fund innovative treatment plans that save patients like her and Paulie.