By Anna Skinner
Dani Staley has been a part of Relay for Life since she was in fifth grade. She experienced cancer in her family, and said, unfortunately, it has always been a part of her life. Her first experience was when her aunt was diagnosed with colon cancer.
“Throughout school, I always came in contact with people battling cancer, whether it was our school nurse or family friends and parents and all types of different people,” the 2013 Westfield High School graduate said. “So that’s really what kept me relaying is seeing all of the different people that have come in contact with cancer.”
Yet last year, cancer hit a bit harder. Staley’s best friend, Katlyn Stevenson, also from Westfield, was diagnosed with adrenal cancer.
“I’ve really been trying to find ways to get more involved than I was, and a good way to do that would be to spread cancer awareness with college kids,” said Staley, who currently attends Ball State University. “My goal of the fundraiser is to raise research money for the American Cancer Society. The type of cancer my best friend has is so rare. It’s one in a million. The research aspect of ACS has really struck out to me in the last year.”
Staley is partnered with the A Capella group at BSU to provide a variety show that will feature dancers, magicians and other acts at 8 p.m. March 2 in Pruis Hall at Ball State, 2000 W. University Ave., Muncie.
“What better way to get young people involved in all the different relays across Indiana?” Staley said.
Tickets cost $3 at the door, and Staley said she hopes to sell 550 seats.
“Anywhere around $1,500 from the fundraiser would be fantastic,” she said.
