Three cancer survivors start the annual SMU Relay For Life event on the Boulevard Friday evening. More than 800 people participated in the walk. (SPENCER EGGERS/The Daily Campus)

Enthusiasm, music and laughter filled the Boulevard on Friday night during SMU’s seventh annual Relay for Life.

More than 45 teams and 645 people participated in the event that lasted from 5:30 p.m. Friday to 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

SMU raised more than $51,000 benefiting the American Cancer Society prior to the event.

To kick off the event, survivors walked a lap to celebrate and honor the lives of those who battled cancer. Following was a lap to honor the caregivers, acknowledging their love and support throughout treatment and the recovery process.

“My favorite part of the event was the survivor lap because my mom, who is a breast cancer survivor, was able to come and participate with me,” Lauren Parma, a member of the Relay for Life Team Development Committee said. “It meant a lot to be able to honor and celebrate with my mom.”

Several performers, including Funk Radio Show, Tiffany Houghton, Treble Creek, the SAE Band, Mustang Mavericks and Mario Quinones entertained participants throughout the night while participants walked laps, mingled and partook in other activities such as a wing-eating contest and relay races.

“The entertainment for the event has always been good in the past, and this year didn’t disappoint,” sophomore and Relay for Life participant Mary Dill said.

Luminaries, tea light candles lit inside a paper bag, were purchased to line the boulevard in memory of anyone who has survived or is currently affected by cancer.

The luminaries were lit during the Luminaria Ceremony. Students, survivors and participants walked along the Boulevard in a moment of silence after the ceremony.

Many ignored their desire to sleep and stayed the whole 12 hours to help raise money to fight cancer.

“I stayed the entire time because I knew there was a symbolic meaning behind it. My walking was part of a bigger meaning to support those who have, who have had, and who are affected by cancer,” Parma said. “I couldn’t be prouder of all the participants and people who stayed the entire time.”

Greek organizations, residence halls, sports organizations and other SMU groups stepped up to raise funds and contribute to Friday night’s festivities. The boulevard was full of eager students hoping to help the cause in any way possible.

“Friday was a success. I think Relay for Life is an event that everyone should attend. It’s for an amazing cause and it brings people together,” Dill said.