It was in the Margot Connell Recreation Center on Boston College’s lower campus where friends and peers gathered from six o’clock in the evening to six o’clock in the morning to remember those battling and lost to cancer. The purpose of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity is to build balanced men that will go into the world and create a difference. In the pursuit of this ideal, it is essential we are philanthropic and help our communities, so, year after year, the brothers of SigEp attend Relay For Life.

Arriving at 6 PM sharp, the brothers of SigEp met at the entrance of the Plex to get signed in and began their night of fundraising and remembrance. At the table, adorned with the letters ΣɸΕ, the brothers set up a chair on a tarp, which they would use as their primary method of fundraising. Our original idea was to have a dunk tank, but unfortunately this was turned down by the administration at Boston College. As a result, we decided to do a classic philanthropy event: pie a brother. It was an instant hit, and was so much fun that friends outside of the fraternity began pieing each other. In between the chaos of people being hit in the face with whipped cream pies, and conversing with members of other campus groups, a luminaria was held for those in attendance.

The luminaria was the central ceremony of the night; we gathered to listen to stories from survivors. They spoke of their struggles, both emotionally and physically. They talked about their journey, and how they learned what real family was to them, and who became a part of it. Family, constructed of both blood and friends, resonated with brothers as we are in the pursuit of building a family within the BC community. There were many good lessons to take away from these speeches but the most prominent ones were: take nothing for granted and try to find joy in the process. 

Following the speeches, we watched a slideshow remembering, honoring, and in support of those who are battling or have battled with cancer. Glow Sticks were passed out during this portion of the ceremony. Led by students, individuals were asked to crack their glow sticks, stand, and begin walking around the track. “If you are here for a mother or father, please stand. If you are here for a brother or sister please stand.” Slowly, the mass on the gym floor grew thinner as the track filled. Once all were standing, a moment of silence was held before everyone was asked to put their glow stick in a bag. Lining the track were paper bags decorated with the names of loved ones. That moment created a hopeful energy that one day we will beat cancer.  

Following the luminaria and subsequent walk around the track, the brothers of SigEp took their places at their booth to raise more money for the cause. The BC community was able to raise over $77,000, and, in the end, we managed to raise $2,957, coming in 5th place out of 40 teams. The most important thing, though, was that we left with lessons and memories that will shape us for life.