DALLAS TWP. — For Nicole Sadler, getting involved with Relay For Life was a new thing to do — an up-and-coming fundraiser at her Florence, N.J., high school that she wanted to be a part of. Now, eight years later, the Misericordia University senior says the event has a different meaning.

When she first became involved with the cause, Sadler wasn’t personally affected by cancer. But in 2015, that all changed when her mother, Donna, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It’s now close to my heart and special to me,” the 22-year-old said.

The fundraiser, which benefits the American Cancer Society, started in 1985. Individuals or teams spent several hours Friday night into early Saturday walking the cancer path, represented by the track inside the university’s Anderson Sports Health Center.

The school’s basketball team was using the night to honor guard Jason Kenny’s mother, Shari, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Sept. 8, 2016.

“The support is amazing,” Shari Kenny said.

“Everyone is there for you,” added Jason, a sophomore.

The Kenny team had 24 walkers.

Shari, who had a double mastectomy three weeks ago at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, said she already went through “aggressive chemo.” She said cancer changes the way she looks at her family, some of whom were at the relay wearing “Keep Calm and Shari On” shirts.

“They embraced it, and fought (along) with me,” Shari said.

Shari and Jason, 19, joined about 30 survivors and their caregivers for the first lap of the relay. As the survivors walked, those gearing up to complete the walk stood around the track clapping to honor them. Signs with the words “hope” and “love” were taped to the bleachers as encouragement.

“It’s all about the survivors,” Sadler said.

By last night, the event had raised over $35,000. To find the exact total of funds raised by the Misericordia University Relay for Life, visit relayforlife.org/pamisericordia.

Jason Kenny, a student and basketball player for Misericordia Uuniversity organized a team called ‘Keep Calm and Shari On’ for his mother, Shari Kenny, right, at the school’s annual Relay for Life event.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_TTL-04222017-relayforlife-3-3.jpg.optimal.jpgJason Kenny, a student and basketball player for Misericordia Uuniversity organized a team called ‘Keep Calm and Shari On’ for his mother, Shari Kenny, right, at the school’s annual Relay for Life event. Charlotte Bartizek | For Times Leader

Cancer survivors and their caregivers march during the annual Relay for Life at Misericordia University.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_TTL-04222017-relayforlife-2-3.jpg.optimal.jpgCancer survivors and their caregivers march during the annual Relay for Life at Misericordia University. Charlotte Bartizek | For Times Leader

Brain cancer survivors Emily Ousouljoglou, an honor student at Misericordia University, and Riley Smith show off their survivor cloaks.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_TTL-04222017-relayforlife-4-3.jpg.optimal.jpgBrain cancer survivors Emily Ousouljoglou, an honor student at Misericordia University, and Riley Smith show off their survivor cloaks. Charlotte Bartizek | For Times Leader
Misericordia hosts annual Relay for Life

By Melanie Mizenko

mmizenko@timesleader.com

Reach Melanie Mizenko at 570-991-6116 or on Twitter @TL_MMizenko.