On February 28, 2020, the Psyched for Life Team consisting of SMCM employees Angie Draheim (captain) ’03, Aileen Bailey, Kristina Howansky, James Mantell, Kelly Muldoon, Scott Mirabile, Jennifer Tickle, and Libby Williams; SMCM students Taylor Curp, Lily Folts, Alyssa Heintzelman, Abri Segal, Kayla Shockett, Becca Weber, and Katie Zielstorf; SMCM alumna and parent of a psychology major, Michele Shipley; and many of their family members and friends participated in the 6-hour, 11th Annual SMCM American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. Overall, the team helped to raise general and brain cancer awareness as well as $4,156.49 for ACS research & patient support programs. Since the first SMCM Relay for Life in 2010, Psyched for Life (which has historically been the largest faculty/staff based team and most often the highest fundraising team) has raised $45,741.86 for the American Cancer Society! The entire 2020 Relay raised $7,488.66. Across it’s years at SMCM Relay for Life has raised $258,729.95.

At the event, the team raffled off two sets of drinking glasses made from up-cycled wine bottles by Dr. Scott Mirabile which were won by Mary Grube and Gretchen Young. A handmade fleece tie-blanket made by Angie Draheim was won by Dylan Verhagen, a Chipoltle giftcard  was won by Beth Cavanaugh, and St. Inie’s coffeeshop giftcards were won by Paul Draheim, Joanne Goldwater, and Trevor Dunn.

Faculty, staff, and students are highly encouraged to participate in this annual fun, family-friendly event which fights back against the disease which has affected a great number of our campus community either directly or indirectly. Angie Draheim (ardraheim@smcm.edu) is more than happy to speak to anyone about how they can get involved. It’s easy and rewarding in a variety of ways.