# @vtrelay on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C3oD3xQSEWo
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/11228188-vtrelay-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/0460a580b5.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-02-21T22:15:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Relay For Life at Virginia Tech (@VTRelay) — https://gondola.cc/VTRelay

## Caption

#WhyIRelayWednesday 💜🎗

"The first reason for why I relay was for my grandfather, Augustus Patrick Gelardi. A top-notch grandfather to nine grandchildren, father to my amazing mother (lady on the left) as well as my two aunts, and most importantly, husband to the best grandmother (Davoo!) out there. My grandfather passed away on Oct.2.2005, a month before my 3rd birthday. After a short 5 week battle my grandfather ultimately passed away due to colon cancer. Scans had missed the cancer and therefore he was not able to receive proper treatment. Considering my short overlap with “Gus,” I know about who my grandfather was through the stories I hear. I am always told of how amazing of a person he was from all the new people I meet from my parents past and stories of what an amazing grandfather he was to my cousins and sisters that were fortunate enough to have more time with him. Although he was my first reason, the last 19 years have largely grown this list through other family members, friends, family members of friends, and many more. All the more reason why the work Relay For Life becomes more impactful each year. I relay to raise money for the patients and research facilities to develop better methods so less unfortunate events my grandfather experienced occur. I relay for more grandkids to have more time with their grandparents. And we all relay for a cure."
-Mike LaGuardia, Greek Co-Exec

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 59
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

whyirelaywednesday

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