— Founder of KSU Relay for Life Dies at 20 —
“I remember when I first met Laura,” said Rebecca Kinsler, Relay For Life event co-chair. “She put the fire underneath everything,
to get it done and do it passionately.”
Laura Stewart died Thursday Oct. 25 at the age of 20.
Last April Stewart helped lead the battle against cancer by co- chairing the first Relay For Life event on campus that raised more than $28,000 for cancer patients and their families.
Her family held a private funeral last week, and the possibility of a future public memorial on KSU campus is being discussed by Relay For Life College Events Manager for the American Cancer Society Giana Humphrey. Humphrey said Stewart was dedicated, passionate and comforting.
“Laura’s passion for Relay was contagious,” Humphrey said. “There are few volunteers that understand the mission of the American Cancer Society. Laura’s passion was the reason KSU was able to have Relay For Life on campus.”
Stewart was dedicated to finding a cure for cancer and worked hard to raise awareness in the community through the ACS. Her efforts earned attention from the ACS and Stewart was featured on its website.
“Throughout her entire battle, she remained positive. She fought so hard even when others weren’t positive,” Humphrey said.
In an interview with The Sentinel in April 2011, Stewart showcased her strength and hope while participating in the event.
“We have a great feeling about the event for the next year, and we are hoping that it will be even bigger and will include even more groups of students,” Stewart said. “Through Relay we are confident that KSU will be part of changing the world for the better.”
Throughout her fight with cancer, Stewart impacted others’ interest in the relay efforts with a positive, colorful and inspirational personality. Last year’s Relay For Life event included a Miss Relay pageant where men dressed in their best female attire, and there was a group dance to the wobble.
“She helped me,” said Kinsler. “I can never really repay her.”
Stewart influenced countless lives. She inspired her friends, family, strangers and fellow students, and her efforts with the ACS and Relay For Life will continue to effect change in the community.
