Twice each year, Ross Medical Education Center in Saginaw, Michigan is pleased to invite Alberta Ryan, captain of a Midland County Relay for Life team, to the campus. Each time she heads to the campus, she hosts a Buy it Back Bake Sale. However, prior to the bake sale, Alberta comes to the campus to do a presentation. During her presentation, she takes time to educate students regarding cancer statistics, where to obtain help and preventative services, and what the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life does.
The biannual Buy it Back Bake Sale allows students, staff, faculty, and employees of the other businesses in the building to make or buy baked goods. They in turn, purchase their own baked goods, or the baked goods of others, for a donation of their choosing. There are also other goods for purchase at a fixed price, such as hats, backpacks, key chains, etc. All proceeds go to benefit The American Cancer Society and Relay For Life.
The Relay For Life is a walk that takes place nationwide throughout the year. Currently, there are over 5,000 communities in the United States that host Relay For Life. There are approximately four million people that participate nationally, and among those four million are many celebrities and politicians. On a local level, Alberta has participated in both the Midland and Bay County Relays for roughly 10 years. All of the local Relay events are covered on the local news, and all have Facebook and other social media pages.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life provides funding for cancer research, the passing of anti-smoking laws, and assistance with medical bills for cancer patients and those who are in need of preventative testing. They also provide wigs, transportation, and chore providers among many other services to those afflicted with cancer.
At the Ross Saginaw campus, this event generates a lot of buzz. The past bake sales have raised hundreds of dollars. Additionally, Ross Saginaw has participated in the event directly by helping Alberta set up and tear down the team booth before and after the event, as well as walking the track during the event. Instructor Kara Hadd from the morning Dental Assistant program stated, “I love that all the students can be involved, not only the ones who can afford it.” Kaitlyn Allen, a morning Dental Assistant student agreed, saying, “I like that we can give back and help out without feeling obligated to pay a set price.” This year, Alberta was able to raise $344.50 from all of the businesses in the building to benefit cancer survivors and others via the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.