Cancer never sleeps, and neither will those who participate in Relay for Life from 6 p.m. on April 9 to 6 a.m. on April 10.
Relay for Life, an annual 12-hour relay walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society, will take place on the Alvin Sherman Library Quad.
The American Cancer Society works with individuals to prevent cancer, identify cancer in its earliest stages, assist cancer patients, research cures, and pass laws to help defeat cancer. Last year, Relay for Life raised over $30,000 for the society. This year, the student-led Relay for Life committee’s goal is $33,000.
At the event, organizations and individuals form teams to walk laps around the quad. There will be laps specifically for cancer survivors and cancer caregivers and laps with special themes like the toga walk, three-legged walk, backwards walk, ‘80s and ‘90s hours, silent hour, and glow sticks.
will perform throughout the night and early morning. Organizations and relay teams will table during the relay, selling different items to raise money for the American Society.
Ujala Ahmed, junior finance major and president of the Relay for Life committee, said that Relay for Life is the biggest undergraduate fundraiser at NSU.
“[Relay for Life] builds a sense of community,” she said. “Participating means being an involved citizen — someone who cares about service. It’s a great way to give back to the community together with your friends.”
Parker Sheppard, sophomore exercise and sports science major and vice president of event coordination for the Relay for Life committee, said that over 35 teams have signed up already.
“Throughout the year, a lot of people who have and haven’t dealt with cancer forget about cancer,” he said. “My grandfather passed away from cancer a couple of years ago, but when I think about him, I don’t think about the cancer that killed him.”
Sheppard said that “Cancer never sleeps” is Relay for Life’s slogan.
“Cancer’s not stopping anytime soon,” he said. “It’s growing, and it will keep growing, but Relay for Life raises awareness and supports the cause.”
The event will include a luminaria ceremony, during which individuals dedicate decorated illuminated bags to honor friends or loved ones whom cancer has affected.
“So many people have been affected by cancer in some way, whether that person has passed away or survived,” Sheppard said. “It’s a traumatic experience that evokes a lot of emotion in people.”
Ahmed said that the money raised through Relay for Life doesn’t all go to research or to administration fees.
“It helps people, and you can see the difference that it makes,” she said.
To sign up for Relay for Life, visit main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16FL?pg=entry&fr_id=72894. For more information about Relay for Life, contact Ahmed at ua27@nova.edu. To learn more about the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org.
Photo Credit: PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM U. AHMED
