MEDIA RELEASE

CSUN Cancer Survivors to be Honored at Relay For Life

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., April 7, 2008) — Cal State Northridge student Jennifer Anderson and professor Craig Finney will be honored guests at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser on Saturday, April 19.

Chosen because of their past battle with cancer, both Anderson and Finney will provide testament to their tales of survival in an opening ceremony scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the Sierra Quad located between the Oviatt Library and campus bookstore at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

"This walk means so much to me in being able to help others see that through education, early detection and treatment you can gain life," said Finney, a professor of recreation and tourism management at CSUN.

Honorees kick off the relay by running the first lap. Following the "survivor lap," all of the cancer survivors will be treated to a reception as "stars" of the event, suiting the reception’s theme "Star-light, Star-bright, Wish I Had a Cure Tonight."

"I feel like I am really giving back to the American Cancer Society (ACS)," said Anderson. "After all, ACS supported research which found a treatment for the disease that could have taken my life."

Officials of the 2008 Relay for Life committee invite cancer survivors and members of the CSUN community including students, faculty, alumni, family and friends to join the 24-hour festivities, which includes a candlelight vigil, games, food and fun.

"When individuals are diagnosed with cancer, the focus becomes ‘What am I losing, what am I giving up?’" said Finney. "What I learned from my cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival was a new perspective: ‘What do I have to gain?’"

For relay registration or information, e-mail csunrelay@gmail.com or visit www.events.cancer.org/rflcsunorthridgeca.