GSDM Relay Team Takes First Place
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) students Courtney Brady DMD 11 and Dee Gulis DMD 12 led a team of approximately 45 GSDM students, faculty, and friends, including Dean Jeffrey and Mrs. Kathy Hutter and ASDA Faculty Advisor Dr. Joseph Calabrese and his wife Michele, at the Relay for Life April 18 to 19. The Relay for Life is a 12-hour walk/run event that was held at Boston University Track and Tennis Center. Ten of the participants walked through the entire night until 6 a.m. on April 19.
The GSDM team raised more than $3,500, beating the other participating dental school’s fundraising efforts, and Relay for Life raised more than $80,000 from the overall event.
"I think this was a great effort by GSDM for our first year participating," said Brady. "I’m hoping that next year we’ll be able to raise even more money and recruit more overnight participants."
In addition to walking, participants kept busy playing football, watching a Mr. Relay competition, listening to bands, watching dance performances, and participating in a dodgeball tournament, relay races, and a root-beer-pong tournament. GSDM participants also received a free BU Dental Relay for Life T-Shirt compliments of BU ASDA.
The team also hosted an oral cancer booth, where they distributed information about oral cancer as well as toothpaste and toothbrushes in the early morning hours for walkers in need of a little dental hygiene.
"I was really impressed with Boston University’s hosting of the Relay for Life for the first time," added Brady. "They had activities all night that really kept everyone going. I am also really thankful to the members of our team who stayed the whole night."
"I was proud to see so many students come out to participate in the Relay for Life at BU," said Dr. Calabrese. "It’s easy to send a donation but our students spent a lot of time organizing and fundraising—just a great effort! The entire event was special—a moving experience." Dr. Calabrese continued, "I hope that many of our GSDM family get a chance to participate in the Relay for Life in the future."
The GSDM team will continue to accept donations until August. To make a donation, visit the Relay for Life website.
Photos of the Relay for Life are available on GSDM’s flickr account and also on the GSDM Facebook page. You must have full web access to view the flickr account, but do not need a personal Facebook account to view photos on the Facebook page.