USAO Relay for Life Team Suits up for Cancer Fundraiser

CHICKASHA – Twelve women are doing their part to raise money and awareness for the upcoming Chickasha Relay for Life, one swing at a time. Members of the University of Science and Arts Staff Association each pledged $100 toward the June 8 fundraiser on the USAO campus, vowing to help “knock cancer out of the ballpark.”

To take them up on their pledge, a co-worker issued a challenge to Cheryl Deaton, administrative assistant for business affairs: dress the team in USAO Drover baseball jerseys, pose for a photo and win $100.

“Our team theme is knocking cancer out of the ballpark, so we had to do that,” Deaton said. “And we loved every minute of it. They all grumped and griped about it at first, but then they had fun when we were doing it. And I got my $100!”

Each year, the American Cancer Society sponsors the walk-a-thon, which helps raise money for cancer research. This year’s 12-hour fundraiser begins at 7 p.m. on the USAO oval. In addition to the Staff Association, USAO’s Em Hi and Phi Lambda Chi student clubs will join the many community groups slated to camp out on the campus.

Deaton said she signed up for the Relay for Life to show support for her family and campus friends.

“Cancer has affected a lot of us personally and here on campus,” she said. “We’ve got several ladies involved who’ve been directly affected by cancer. I’m sure every one of us has a family member down the line who’s been affected. The research needs to be done.”

The USAO Staff Association isn’t the only team with a sports theme.

“I think Em Hi has a boxing theme, ‘knocking out cancer,’” she said.

According to Deaton, different teams will have various fundraising opportunities throughout the night, including food vendors. For the Staff Association, a special raffle item will be a handmade afghan donated by Dr. Jeanne Mather.

Staff Association members include Cheryl Deaton, Paula Brashears, Esta Hatchett, Judy Galer, Cheryl Deaton, Sheila Smith, Laura Coponiti, Diane Carroll, Eileen Thomas, Carla Robison, Anna Marie Pratt, Joyce Jennings and Dr. Jeanne Mather.

Deaton said the Staff Association is still taking donations for the American Cancer Association. Additional information is available from Deaton at (405) 574-1211 or in person in Troutt Hall 220.

NEWS RELEASE       June 1, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - CHICKASHA
CONTACT MICHAEL BENDURE, News Bureau, 405-574-1362, mbendure@usao.edu
RANDY TALLEY: Public Relations, 405-574-1337, rtalley@usao.edu
LAURA HARRISON: Public Relations, 405-574-1318, lharrison@usao.edu
FAX: 405-574-1377