Getting Rid of Loose Ends for a Cause

Chatham’s Relay for Life is coming up quickly; and with a goal of $25,000, Chatham community members are coming together to raise funds. From student organizations to academic departments, RFL teams are being created left and right to help fight cancer one dollar at a time through the American Cancer Society.

One special group was formed this year by sophomores Kaitlyn Shirey and Krista Arena and junior Fia Nicoloso. Cleverly named “Loose Ends,” these three ladies have made a Relay team focused on cutting their hair for charity. They are using their locks as an incentive to receive more donations. The more people donate, the more they will cut.

What are you doing and what is your goal?

“[We’re] collecting donations for the American Cancer Society to get research and to help the families of those suffering,” said Arena, who is cutting more hair with the more donations she receives. Shirey on the other hand, is planning on going all the way.

“My goal is to raise as much money as possible for Relay for Life and to donate all of my hair,” said Shirey. “When I say all of my hair, I mean that I want to actually shave my head bald. Let no hair go uncut!” Shirey plans to sell the opportunity to take the scissors to her hair at Relay for Life. Anyone willing to donate will be able to cut her hair.

“As a bonus to monetary donations, our team is going to donate our hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths,” said Nicoloso. “It’s an organization that gives wigs to cancer patients who have lost their hair.”

Pantene Beautiful Lengths is a program that asks for eight inches of hair or an $8.00 donation that goes towards making free, real-hair wigs. Over 800,000 ponytails have been donated to them, making over 42, 000 wigs.

“I like that [Pantene Beautiful Lengths] uses all the hair that they possibly can to make free wigs for cancer patients,” said Shirey. “It turns out that there are a lot of ways to donate your hair, and Pantene is the best fit for me. I don’t want to throw rocks, but Locks of Love sells their wigs on a need basis. It is often the case that a person could make a bigger impact for cancer patients by selling their own hair on the Internet and donating the money to research than by donating hair to [Locks of Love].  Additionally, some organizations will take hair donations to clean the environment.”

Though Pantene asks for eight inches minimum for hair, they will still take your hair to use for other resources, some that help with environmental issues.

“Every time you get a trim you could send that hair to clean up oil spills,” said Shirey.

 

Why did you decide to use your hair as a donation?

“I have donated my hair about five times now,” said Arena. “As soon as it gets too long to deal with anymore, I want to cut it. I feel that since I am fortunate enough to be able to grow my own hair, I may as well donate it to someone who can’t rather than it being thrown away.”

“I’m cutting my hair to help support patients undergoing cancer treatment. Due to treatment, many cancer patients lose their hair. Hair is a funny thing. It’s not something we think about much until it’s taken away from us. Sometimes the gift of a wig can really boost the spirits of cancer patients and give them a little bit more autonomy in a rough situation,” said Nicoloso.

 

Why did you choose Chatham’s Relay For Life and the Pantene Beautiful Lengths?

“I chose to raise money through Relay for Life because many of my family members and friends have or had cancer,” said Nicoloso. “Some of them lost their battle, and some are still fighting, but no matter what, the support that events like Relay for Life are invaluable for patients and caregivers alike,” said Nicoloso.

RFL’s donations all go to the American Cancer Society so cancer research can be done, as well as campaigns such as the Great American Smokeout, and provide support for those who currently have cancer.

 

Did you know anyone else was cutting their hair? How did all three of you decide to do it together?

 

“I originally got the idea when Kaitlyn and I were talking about how much easier our hair would be to manage if we shaved our head.  Then we thought about donating it, and the idea sort of just stemmed from there,” said Arena.

“I have donated my hair several times in the past- roughly every two years for a while now. I wanted to donate my hair soon and one day I brought it up at dinner with Kaitlyn and Krista. Eventually, we couldn’t stop talking about donating our hair, and once we got in touch with [Chatham Relay for Life president] Lynzy Groves, the whole thing just came together,” said Nicoloso.

 

How do you think people will react to your new hairstyle?

 

A big hair change is a lot for many people to handle. All three of the young women express that they are expecting shock from others and even themselves.

“I already know my dad will not be happy. But if the donations are high enough, and I end up cutting my hair really short — I’ve [wanted] to try it — I may as well make such a drastic change while I’m in college.  I feel like everyone will be very surprised at first, because I am somewhat known for how long my hair is, ” said Arena, who has donated her hair before, but has since felt her hair length was becoming part of her identity on campus.

“I often wonder whether I’ll even look like myself or be recognizable after all my hair is gone,” said Shirey, who has had longer hair for most of her life and is making the largest change if enough money is donated. From over a foot of hair to shaving her head, everyone is in for a surprise.

“My family may be a bit more shocked.  I honestly don’t know what any of them will say when they find out how much has been cut — hopefully, all of it,” she said. “[It will be interesting] when they see me for the first time.”

For Nicoloso, who has donated her hair a handful of times before, she says that she gets mixed reviews over the way her hair looks after a big chop.

“At the end of the day, I don’t care about other people’s reactions. It’s my hair, and I can do what I want with it. I’m not using it, so if I can donate it to someone who will genuinely appreciate it, then I’m more than happy to do so. Besides, my parents always told me that the difference between a bad haircut and a good haircut is two weeks,” said Nicoloso.

Relay For Life is from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Feb. 5. “Loose Ends” will be cutting their hair at 7 p.m. in the AFC. To donate to their team, visit the Chatham event page on the Relay for Life website.

Chatham prepares itself for its fifth annual Relay for Life

Chatham Relay For Life Association (RFLA) will be hosting Chatham’s fifth annual Relay For Life event on Friday, Feb. 5 from noon until midnight in Chatham’s Athletic and Fitness Center.

This is the first year Relay For Life has been spearheaded by a student organization. RFLA became a student organization in the fall of 2015 with the hope of making Relay For Life a student-driven event.

The Relay For Life Committee has worked since August in conjunction with the local American Cancer Society chapter to plan an event that is not only tons of fun for the Chatham Community; but also draws attention to how cancer has touched each and every one of us and commemorate those who have fought cancer and lived to tell about it. RFLA has fundraised so far with events such as the Squirt Gun Hunger Games, The Talent Show, and the Willy Wonka-themed Sarris chocolate bar sale to help reach the goal of $25,000.

Relay For Life is a 12-hour fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to make or join teams. Chatham Relay has 21 teams and counting. Some established teams include Girl Up, FACE, SASB Faculty and Staff, Chatham Student Government, Chatham MSA, and many others.

Many of the teams will have a table during Relay with an activity to further reach their fundraising goal.  New this year is a team gift basket raffle. Teams have the opportunity to make gift baskets and the money generated from the basket goes to that team’s fundraising goal.  

The survivor’s ceremony will occur once again. The ceremony is meant to celebrate those who have survived cancer. There will be a speaker followed by a survivor’s lap around the track.  

Those wanting to pay tribute to a loved one who fell victim to cancer can purchase a luminaria bag. The bags are being sold currently and will also be sold during the Relay For Life event. Luminaria will be placed out on the Athletic and Fitness Center’s staircase so as participants walk up to the track they can see all of them.

The whole day is fully packed. The event kicks off at noon with opening ceremonies. Lunch will be provided in the gym by Parkhurst dining services. Local bands such as Karma and Chatham’s own Chris Bollinger will perform in the evening.  The much-enjoyed game of Extreme Musical Chairs has returned with the possibility of a life-sized version of your favorite childhood board game. Last but not least, one can watch three Chatham students chop off their ponytails to be made into wigs for cancer patients.

Students and faculty can help support Chatham Relay by registering for the event and fundraising, and joining the twelve hours of games, activities and celebration as we work to end the fight with cancer once and for all.

For information on Chatham University Relay For Life Association, follow them and Facebook  for updates and visit the official Relay page at relayforlife.org/pachatham.edu.

Chatham’s Relay for Life raises thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society

Over the past few years, Relay for Life has become a widely anticipated event on the Chatham University campus. This 12-hour marathon of sorts, held annually to raise money for the American Cancer Society, occurred on Friday, February 6 from noon until midnight.

The day began with “Dine & Dance,” hosted by Swing City Pittsburgh instructor Jared Clemens. Clemens and his fellow dancers donated their time to teach a Swing Dance Class during Relay’s lunch hour.

In addition to Chatham Students shaking their tail feathers, there was the opportunity to duct tape Zauyah Waite, Dean of Students, to the wall by purchasing a strip of tape for a dollar.

After lunch, Maxon Towers Salon made an appearance and offered haircuts and manicures, with all proceeds benefiting Relay For Life.

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Photo Credit: Katerina Sarandou

Following this, Social Work In Real Life (SWIRL) dominated the gym floor as they offered Relay participants the opportunity to make tie blankets.

At 4:00 p.m., the step team from Central Catholic High School performed as a part of the survivor social hour.

At 5:00 p.m., in a slight change of pace from previous years, Chatham’s Relay for Life held its first ever survivor ceremony.

After an introduction from co-chair of the Relay for Life Committee, sophomore Lynzy Groves, the keynote speaker, adjunct professor and cancer survivor Dr. Kathy Harrington took the stage.

Harrington began her speech by saying, “I am a cancer survivor, and I’m proud of it.”  She then went on to inspire the audience by saying, “we get through it because you’re our family, you pray for us, and you hope.”

“Thank you for helping me through my journey,” she continued, “and for helping all the people you don’t even know you’re helping today.”

Harrington then lightened the mood by talking about her various wigs, and how one made her look like Carol Brady, from “The Brady Bunch.”  Afterwards she ran her hand through her hair and proudly proclaimed, “This is my real hair.”

Harrington encouraged everyone to continue to persevere to find a cure for cancer because, “you are all superstars.” She finished by saying, “Hope and excellence live at Chatham University.”

Afterwards, Chatham’s American Cancer Society representative Laurie Nicolson came to the stage.

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Photo Credit: Katerina Sarandou

After saying a few words, she asked that everyone take a glow stick and crack them when she mentioned a figure in their life who was affected by cancer. She then read through a list of family members and acquaintances, starting with parents and ending with a friend. By the end, everyone’s glow stick was glowing.

“Someday, we won’t have to be afraid,” Nicolson said, fighting to keep her voice steady.  “We will not give up the fight.”

It was a tearful ceremony that ended with a survivor lap, where the survivors lead everyone around the track. Chatham senior and current cancer patient Eir Rovira led the way, and as survivors made their way up to the track, they were handed a pink carnation.

“We need to remember the people we’ve lost,” said first year Imani Constant.   She went on to say that she lost a friend to cancer a few days before Christmas, saying, “You should live your life like you’re not going to see another day. Be kind, be generous, be loving, and be around to support each other.”

Sophomore Maryem Aslam agreed, saying, “It’s really uplifting seeing people supporting everyone who has lost someone…and giving hope to everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer.”

The rest of the night was packed full of entertainment. Starting at 8:00 p.m. was the entertainment hour with special appearances by the University of Pittsburgh’s Hip Hop Dance Crew, “Pitches and Tones,” and Chatham alumna Olivia Traini, who performed stand-up comedy.

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Photo Credit: Katerina Sarandou

Relay For Life was also a part of Chatham’s Hall Olympics. Some of the activities included a boxcar race, live Battleship in the pool, and Capture the Flag.

Hall Olympics also sponsored a penny war between the residence halls, and at Relay Devin Fabian, Coordinator of Residence Life, announced that Woodland Hall won.

Additionally, all day there was an inflatable Velcro wall, an inflatable jousting ring, and a silent auction of baskets donated by local businesses.

Towards the end of the night, it was announced that the goal of $10,000 had been reached which meant that three Student Affairs staff members were getting ‘slimed.’ Throughout the day, people could place money in the jar of the staff member who they wanted to see get slimed. The top three staff members who raised the most money were Coordinator of Residence Life and Student Activities Devin Fabian, Coordinator of Residence Life and Student Activities Emily Fidago, and Assistant Dean of Career Development Dr. Sean McGreevey.

The whole atmosphere of the event was captured perfectly by first year Alex Waasdorp, who, when asked why she attended, said, “I came out to support friends, like Eir, and the Chatham community, who are near and dear to my heart. Coming together for a cause, even if you can’t give money, is so important.”

Strikes made at the SAA Bowling Night benefiting Relay For Life

Nothing was spared at the Student Alumni Association (SAA) bowling night at Forward Lanes, located at 5844 Forward Avenue in Squirrel Hill. On Thursday, January 29, Chatham students and staff came together to bowl for a cure.

The SAA partnered with the Relay For Life Committee to have a fundraiser benefiting and promoting Relay For Life on February 6. Those who participated in bowling night paid $11 for two hours of bowling and shoe rental.

Junior Lauren Trichtinger had a great time bowling and found that she is pretty good at the sport.

“I won every game,” said Trichtinger.

She thinks bowling was a great way to spend an evening, and other bowlers also agreed.

Sophomore Olivia Bauer liked spending time with her friends but wished she’d done better.

“I would be so excited thinking I would get a strike but that one pin just never fell,” she said.

Relay For Life co-chair Lynzy Groves, felt the event was very successful. She said it was a solid fundraiser with solid entertainment. Bowling Night raised $55 for Relay For Life.

“Every penny raised helps to assist the American Cancer Society to support individuals living with cancer and fund cancer research,” she said.

If you weren’t able attend bowling night, there is still another chance to support Relay For Life. On Thursday, February 5 from 5:00 p.m. to  9:00 p.m. you have opportunity to sink your teeth into some Mongolian style grilling at BD’s Mongolian Grill located in SouthSide Works.

At Mongolian Grill night, there will special grillers including, Dr. David Fraser, Coach Betsey Warren, Skyler Wilcha, and Dean Zauyah Waite. Tickets are $25 per person for all-you-can-eat Mongolian food. For another $5 you will receive a movie ticket to a film of your choice at SouthSide Works. Tickets can be purchased on the first floor of the Carriage House.

Relay For Life will be held on Friday, February 6 from noon to midnight in the AFC Gym. There is still time to create or join a team. To do so, visit relayforlife.org/pachatham.

Chatham Relay For Life Committee gears up for annual event

What event combines music, games, and food and lasts for 12 hours? Only one event comes to mind, and that’s Relay For Life.

Chatham’s Relay For Life will take place on February 6 from noon to midnight in the Athletic and Fitness Center. Relay For Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

This will be Chatham’s fourth annual Relay For Life.  Last year Chatham’s Relay raised $10,000 for the ACS, and this year they are reaching for that same goal. The money raised helps to provide support for individuals and families affected by cancer.

According to the ACS, Chatham’s Relay For Life has supported 76 calls to the cancer information center for a cancer patients. It has helped 432 people get connected to clinical trials through clinical trials matching. It has funded 86 rides for cancer patients to and from treatments through the Road the Recovery program. It has supported 88 women in the Reach to Recovery program where women facing breast cancer are paired with a trained breast cancer survivor for support. It has helped to provide 130 nights of free lodging at a Hope Lodge for a cancer patient and their caregiver. It has funded 21 early career researchers who have turned to the American Cancer Society to investigate cancer, its causes, and how to help patients cope with the effects of the disease and its treatment. All of this was possible with the help of Chatham’s Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is a not an athletic event but a celebration of life. There are not any relays or baton passes. What can be expected at Chatham’s Relay is a whole 12 hours packed full of activities.

Interested participants can register on relayforlife.org/pachatham and join or make a team. Anyone a can make a team–academic departments, classes, friends, student organization, residence halls. There’s a special treat for those who register and donate to Relay For Life. Registered participants who raise $25 will be entered into a drawing to win tickets to see One Direction and Taylor Swift.

“For every $25 you raise, you receive one ticket to put into the drawing,” said Coordinator of Residence Life and Student Activities, Emily Fidago. “So if you raised $100 you would receive four tickets. The more you raise the more chances you have to win.”

Tickets will be pulled from the drawing between 9 p.m. and midnight and you must be present to win.

There will also be a silent auction with gift baskets from local businesses, gift cards, Pittsburgh Pirates tickets, and much more.

Relay For Life kicks off at noon with Dine & Dance. Lunch will be served in the AFC gym.  At lunch there will be a swing dance lesson taught by Swing City Pittsburgh instructor Jared Clemens.

At 5 p.m. is the survivor ceremony with guest speaker, Dr. Harrington. Hall Olympics will commence at 7 p.m. followed by a game of extreme musical chairs at 9 p.m.

Special guest performers include University of Pittsburgh Hip Hop Dance Crew and the Panther Belly Dancers. In addition, Chatham alumna Olivia Traini will return to perform a comedy set.

The Relay For Life Committee and the Office of Residence Life and Student Activities-Student Affairs also have events leading up to Relay. On January 29, the Student Alumni Association (SAA) is hosting a bowling night at Forward Lanes. The cost is $11. This includes two hours of bowling and shoe rental.

On February 5, Chatham has a night out at the Mongolian Grill. It is $25 for, “all you can eat.” For another $5 you will receive a movie ticket. All proceeds benefit Relay For Life.

“Relay For Life is a time where the whole Chatham Community can come to together to help support the fight against cancer, celebrate those who survived and celebrate those who were lost to the disease,” said Meg Scanlon, Relay For Life co-chair and Community Service Coordinator.

 

Woodland RHC hosts a Hippie Night in Rea Coffeehouse

Everyone was getting groovy at the Woodland RHC event on November 13. Woodland’s Residence Hall Council hosted a Hippie Night, where Chatham students could find their inner flower child. Rea Coffeehouse was taken back time, with a tie-dye station, a hippie photo booth and puffy paint.

Even the food was festive with  confetti cake and peace sign cookies courtesy of Pankhurst Catering. The event was a combined effort of the entire Woodland RHC, with Jessie Hinkle acting as president, Heathir McIntyre as Vice-President, Amber Starr as Communications Coordinator, and Olivia Bauer as Sustainability Coordinator.

“At first we didn’t knoe what type of event we wanted to hold. What we did know is we want to have it in Rea Coffeehouse. Once that was established, the idea evolved from there” said RHC advisor Kaitlyn Bonzo.

The idea for the Hippie Night was inspired by an activity that was held a few months earlier. On September 1, The Office of Residence Life and Student Activities-Student Affairs sponsored a tie-dye night in each residence hall. The event was a huge success. However, there were limited supplies and many students did not have the chance to participate. Woodland RHC wanted to provide them with the opportunity.

“I think the event turned out very well,” said Starr. “Everyone, including myself enjoyed the tie-dye and the puffy paint.”

The event certainly peaked student interest with around 44 people in attendance.

“We are very happy with our turnout. All the supplies have been used, almost all of the t-shirts have been taken and all the cake is gone. It seems people really like the event”, said Bauer.

New Coordinator of Residence Life and Woodland RHC Advisor, Devin Fabian gave the event high marks.

“The event really shows how innovative undergraduates are and how well they know their fellow students.” The number of students who came out of their rooms to spend time with one another, created the community spirit our office strives for.”

Students also agreed, saying it was fun event and a great time to spend with friends and make memories.

“I could not be more pleased with the event,” said Hinkle. “ My board is a wonderful group of hardworking ladies and I could not have done it without them.”

The next RHC event is the Hockey Tailgate hosted by the Rea and Laughlin on December 6 at 8 p.m. in the McKnight Hockey Center located at Shady Side Academy. In partnership with the Chatham University Relay For Life Committee, the Rea and Laughlin RHC will be collecting “bail money” to “free Carson from jail.”

All funds raised will go towards Relay for Life to help fund cancer research. Relay For Life will take place February 6 from 12 p.m. to midnight.

The Communique’s Squirrel Code is also doing work with Relay for Life through “Selfie with a Squirrel.” Take a selfie with a squirrel or donate to Relay For Life. Join a team or start a team and then nominate three  friends to take the challenge. Post the pictures using the hashtag  #selfiewithasquirrel or #SQRLCODE.