“I could see fear in their faces, and I didn’t like it,” said Harwood (pictured), a freshman from Franklin majoring in elementary education. A survivor of lymphoma, she will speak at the campus Relay For Life kickoff to begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Cardinal Room of A.K. Hinds University Center.

The event, which is open to the public, will feature Harwood’s remarks, refreshments, a raffle drawing and an opportunity to register for WCU’s student-organized Relay For Life, which will take place from 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, to 5 a.m. Saturday, April 12, on the University Center lawn.

Relay For Life is an all-night event to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the battle and support the American Cancer Society.  Luminaries and live music will be part of the celebration at Western in which relay team members walk throughout the night. This year’s theme is “Lights! Camera! Cure!” Participants are asked to decorate their sites with movie designs, said Kathleen Cummins, event chair and a senior from Clemmons majoring in nursing.

This year’s fundraising goal is $22,000 – $1,000 more than the amount raised last year.

Newton Smith, associate chief information officer at WCU, is serving as the honorary chair of the campus celebration  and will speak at the event on April 11.

When Smith was undergoing radiation treatments in Atlanta for prostate cancer, the Hope Lodge gave him a temporary home and place to continue teaching classes online.

“I’m deeply indebted to the American Cancer Society for the information they provided and the accommodations,” said Smith (pictured). “They gave me the feeling that I wasn’t alone and that there was hope. Like everyone who hears those words, ‘You have cancer,’ I panicked at first.

“I don’t know anybody who isn’t touched by cancer,” said Smith, whose father battled the disease. “None of us know who will be next to be diagnosed. That’s why everyone needs to support the work of the American Cancer Society.”

Harwood said she began participated in Relay For Life long before she was diagnosed with cancer at age 16.

“The luminaries were my favorite part when I was little, but they mean more now because they honor people I love who died from cancer – both of my grandpas and one of my best friends,” she said.

Harwood, now in remission, said she feels great, lives on campus and regularly works out at the gym. When she feels down, she rereads the notes and letters people sent her during her treatment and recovery, she said.

“They remind me that we can overcome anything,” said Harwood.

For more information, visit  www.events.cancer.org/rflwcu or call (800) ACS-2345.

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Last modified: Monday, Feb. 4, 2008