Relay for Life events take place around the country throughout the year and are a unique celebration of life in honor and in memory of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. It has been described as a “huge compassionate support group” ““ a place where friends, family and loved ones join to celebrate survivorship and to honor those who have lost the battle.
“Every 48 seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with cancer,” says Robin Sautter, a senior biochemistry cell and molecular biology and chemistry major, co-president of Colleges Against Cancer. “The goal of this event is to unite everyone from Drake students, faculty and staff, to the surrounding community in a fight against this disease.”
Relay For Life involves teams of 8-15 people who take turns walking or running around a track for the duration of the 12-hour event. A party-like atmosphere prevails as team members camp out on the surrounding grounds to enjoy music, food, fun, entertainment and activities while building camaraderie with fellow teammates and participants. Money is raised through team commitment fees and an individual goal secured from family, friends or companies.
Last year, the group raised more than $37,000 for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life and other events. The organization’s goal this year is $40,000. Roughly 650 people, mostly Drake students, took part in the event last year ““ the largest number of participants to date.
For more information, please contact Debora Christensen, 515-271-2957, debora.christensen@drake.edu