Relay For Life is a wonderful cause that reaches out to individuals all across the country. Kean University is one of several universities nationwide to participate in such an event. Relay For Life is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and is essentially a fundraising opportunity to fund cancer research.

Relay For Life will take place on Friday, April 1, 2016, in Kean University’s Harwood Arena at 8 p.m. It is an opportunity to get physically active while simultaneously raise awareness and funds for a phenomenal cause.

Every student who participates in Relay For Life has a story to tell about why they are participating. Kean University is an incredibly diverse campus, filled with students from all walks of life. So when The Cougar’s Byte began to ask students “Why do you relay?” the responses received built connections to join the Kean student body together through this moving event and fantastic cause.

Jordyn Bronsky, junior psychology major is a player for the Kean Women’s Soccer Team. At this year’s Relay For Life, Bronsky will be participating with team Rec N Crew on behalf of her grandfather, who recently lost his battle with cancer. Bronsky’s grandfather battled multiple myeloma for nine years.

“Not once did he complain, not once did he show pain or fear. He has helped me during my most trying times. He answered my questions when I was having doubts about school and if I was doing the right thing. He's offered endless support since the moment I was old enough to talk. He has done nothing but prove to me how resilient he is,” says Bronsky about her grandfather.

Bronsky has attended Relay For Life events in the past, although this is Bronsky’s first year actually participating, she is doing so with a heavy heart and a determined mind. Bronsky is getting involved with this cause on behalf of all of those currently battling or being affected by cancer. She is determined to prevent the devastating impact of cancer to as many as she can.

“If I can help prevent families and friends go through what my family just went through, I will do everything in my power to make it happen,” says Bronsky.

Even though she says that the previous Relay For Life events have definitely impacted her, this year hits particularly close to home for obvious reasons. The loss of Bronsky’s grandfather is a wound that is barely two months old, and she seems to be applying her devastation productively by channeling it into such a cause as Relay For Life.

Although Bronsky is ready and willing to participate on her grandfather’s and family’s behalf, she is also well aware of how emotional the event will actually be for her. The loss of a loved one is a deep gash at the heart that takes quite a long time to even begin to scab over. Bronsky plans to channel her emotions into the success of the event, knowing that her grandfather is proud of her, and using that as fuel for a change.

Relay For Life is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals like Bronsky to get involved in a cause that can also aid in a great cause, but also help them heal emotionally. The implementation of emotion to an activity or cause can help the mind heal emotionally and mentally, and Bronsky is a prime example of doing such successfully.

“No family should have to endure the pain of watching a loved one suffer, especially if you can't do anything about it. As soon as I heard about Relay For Life, I immediately took action. I have high hopes that one day there can be a cure to this dreadful disease,” says Bronsky.

It is apparently clear that Bronsky is making her family, friends and especially her grandfather abundantly proud of her. She is soon to be inducted into Psi Chi International Honor Society of Psychology on Monday, April 21, 2016. She has been an active player to Kean University’s women soccer team since her freshman year and intends to round out her college career on that team.

Bronsky is also urging her fellow students to participate in Relay For Life. She posted on Instagram inviting others to join a Relay For Life team, and has managed to gain some traction from it.

Building awareness for this event can lead to astronomical contributions and help for those impacted by life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Bronsky is a prime example of those students who have the power to get the ball rolling, as well as bring personal satisfaction to herself and her loved ones.

No matter what circumstances an individual chooses to participate for, every single contribution is recognized, used and cherished. Whether it is getting involved on behalf of a friend, loved one, oneself or just for the sake of donating to the cause, Relay For Life is an opportunity to give back and show empathy to those impacted by horrible experiences such as cancer.

“Cancer sucks!” exclaims Bronsky passionately.

To join a Relay For Life team or to donate to the cause, one can visit www.relayforlife.org, and search for Kean University and the teams that have already been constructed on the campus.