If every able body donated to cancer research, there would be a cure. At Kean University, some relay because they feel it is their duty to advocate for those who are not fit to do so for themselves, but others relay because they have been personally affected by the show stopping disease that is cancer.

Over half way to reaching its goal of $1,000 with $700, Kean University Relays Education (K.U.R.E.) is in second place for money raised for Relay for Life, a national series of events across college campuses in hope to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Team Captain, Kevin Macalos, a sophomore accounting major, and Co-Captain, Terrie Evans, a senior business management major, are at the forefront of the powerhouse that is K.U.R.E. Multiple family members of K.U.R.E. have been affected by the disease, including Evans, whose grandmother struggled and survived with breast cancer.

“Coming from me personally, I’ve learned that people come and go all of our lives, and sometimes it’s best to keep things unsaid,” said Marcalos. “Finding out someone is on the edge of getting his or her life taken away will affect everyone else.”

Marcalos proves deeply empathetic to those suffering with life-threatening illnesses. When faced with medical issues, family members can develop depression, making the current situation even more stressful than it has to be. He believes that every day that he wakes up fortunate and healthy, is a day to take advantage of. He not only relays for those who cannot themselves, but he also relays with a much bigger purpose: to spread happiness and positivity.

“For me, I don’t relay just to help people battling with cancer in this world,” started Marcalos. “I Relay for Life to help others live another moment, possibly live another year, [two] years, or even a decade to be with their love ones and to be able to smile and not worry about anything, because everything’s going to be okay.”

The idea of making life easier for someone less fortunate is not a new thing for Marcalos. When he was in high school, he heard stories of Relay for Life events and always wanted to be a part of such an event. Being a peer leader for The School of General Studies, Marcalos took it upon himself to start a team within the department. Most members of K.U.R.E. are General Education Mentors (GEM) and Academic Instructor Mentors (AIM) and are constantly faced with the challenge of keeping students on the correct path so they wanted to choose a name that fit their role as mentors and advocators.

“After hearing all of these cancer-surviving stories, I thank God every day that I’m healthy and staying strong,” said Marcalos.

K.U.R.E. is comprised of 22 members, making them one of the largest teams participating in Relay for Life at Kean University. In just a matter of months, they have managed to raise over $700 with various fundraising activities such as a Penny War and a volleyball tournament. Even though they got off with a late start after January, teamwork and perseverance has allowed them to ride above.

“It’s not the end of the world and I know it may seem that way at first, and trust me,” explained Marcalos in regards to what he would say to those struggling with the loss of a loved one from cancer. “I know

it feels strange when people are going on with their daily lives as if nothing has ever happened, when in reality a huge chunk of your life has been tak[en] away from you. These people may not be physically in our lives, and they will always be in our hearts and will remain there forevermore.”