2008 Woodie Awards
SRU student runs for cancer research
By Alan Jaquith
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: News
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Amanda Renne Budzowski, 21, is a senior exercise and rehabilitative science major with a minor in adaptive physical activity who has raised $1,169 for liver cancer research, with more pledges on the way, by completing the Erie Marathon, a 26.2 mile course through Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pa.
She is also the Alpha Sigma Tau fundraising chairwoman. The money was donated, per mile, solely by friends and family.
Budzowski said that her original goal was $500, but once she reached that amount, she realized that she could raise much more.
Budzowski, whose mother was diagnosed with liver cancer last March and overcame colon cancer last year, was driven by her battles.
"My dad was killed by a drunk driver when I was 12 years old, so we were always close to mom," Budzowski said. "My mom has such great spirit and faith, both religious and personal."
The Budzowski family is no stranger to cancer, with an uncle who had liver cancer five years ago and an aunt who died of lung cancer this past year.
In addition to running since she was in the eighth grade and intense summer training for the marathon, which included cycling programs, the treadmill, and a healthy diet, Budzowski attributes some of her success to the support of friends and family.
"I've never done anything over 20 miles, so the last six were the worst. But when you're running and you see your little fan club, it really helps," Budzowski said.
While there are numerous ways to raise money for a charity, Budzowski was determined that a marathon was the best option because it enabled her to raise money and send an important message.
"People don't understand that all cancer patients have a great drive, and a marathon was an excellent way to convey that message," Budzowski said.
Since her sorority was unable to participate in the 2007 Relay for Life on the SRU campus, Budzowski called the American Cancer Society to set up her own fundraiser. She was determined to go through the American Cancer Society for aid in raising money.
"I wanted to give back to the organization for all the help they have given to me and my family," Budzowski said.
Pam Voisey, the American Cancer Society staff partner for Mercer County, was very appreciative of Budzowski's efforts.
"She took this on her own, and the fact that she raised that much money on her own is incredible," Voisey said. "It's extremely rare for an individual to raise that much."
Although there are intense physical consequences to running a marathon, such as extreme pain the next day, the rewards for participation, in Budzowski's opinion, outweigh the physical discomfort.
"I would definitely do another marathon, because even though I hurt, it was great to raise a lot of money," Budzowski said. "I feel like I have accomplished a huge goal and am glad that I could help even in a small way."
Elissa Sopher, 23, is a senior physical education and science major at SRU who also completed the Erie Marathon.
Sopher is not sure how much pledge money she has raised, but estimates the amount to be in the vicinity of $500.
Though the American Cancer Society hosts numerous fundraisers to aid in cancer research, the organization focuses mainly on the Relay for Life and Daffodil Days for the Slippery Rock area.
According to Shanna Sallmen, a community income development specialist for the American Cancer Society, SRU's 2006 Relay for Life raised a little more than $15,000 dollars to aid in cancer research.
In 2007, a student organization, Colleges Against Cancer, stepped in to set up the Relay for Life.
This year's Relay raised $24,000 dollars to aid cancer research, a sum that Sallmen attributes to CAC's participation.
The Erie Marathon is hosted by the Erie Runners Club. There were over 500 participants in this year's marathon.
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