The Panhellenic Council is preparing to kick off the second annual Relay For Life tonight at 7 p.m. on the Boulevard. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
Last year, the event attracted over 427 students and raised $85,000 towards cancer research.
“We’re really excited because we have more teams than last year,” said junior marketing major and Relay volunteer Heather Winn. “I have a feeling we’ve raised more money as well.”
Relay is a 12-hour team relay event dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer. Students form most teams, but alumni, faculty and staff are also encouraged to participate.
Teams consist of eight to 15 members and must raise $100 in order to participate. Team members take turns walking or running around the Boulevard for 12 consecutive hours. One member from each team must be walking at all times.
The walking throughout the night symbolizes the fact that cancer never sleeps, and to encourage those diagnosed with the disease to persevere through troublesome times.
Last year, there was plenty of entertainment to keep the teams busy, including a raffle, game show and salsa dancing lessons. Many students also relaxed in tents, lawn chairs and sleeping bags.
Food was also provided, but many participants chose to bring their own grill and cook out.
The event also welcomed survivors to tell their personal experience with the desiese, as well as a slideshow those who have been personally affected by cancer.
The American Cancer Society has raised over $1 billion to fight cancer since 1985. Relay is held on over 120 college campuses throughout the United States alone, and also includes nine other countries.
The event costs $4,500 to put on, and Winn says they have already raised $5,000 through team entrance fees alone.
Local restaurant Mi Cocina has donated 15 percent of their profits to Relay for the last four Monday nights. “They’ve been extremely generous and eager to help,” said Winn.
If you are not signed up with a team, there are still ways to contribute and pay your respects.
At 8 p.m., an hour into the event, a luminaria ceremony will be held in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer. While the bags are lit, all other lights will be turned off in honor of victims.
Luminaries can be purchased at Relay tables on campus, or by contacting Emery Davis at [email protected]. To honor someone currently battling cancer, or a survivor, you may choose to participate in the Survivors Lap, which takes place during the first hour.
Also, purple rubber bracelets resembling the popular Lance Armstrong bands are being sold for $2. The bracelets are inscribed with the word “hope” and total sales have already reached $1,625.
According to American Cancer Society statistics, one in four people will be directly affected by cancer.
Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and should be sent to the attention of Amber Mathews, Relay For Life advisor at SMU Box 436.
For further information on the event or how to donate, visit the Student Activities Center on the third floor of Hughes-Trigg.
