Relay For Life is an organization sponsored by the American Cancer Society that puts on fundraisers all over the world to remember the people who have died of cancer, honor the people who are currently fighting cancer and, above all, raise money for cancer research. After taking a couple years off from holding one, Kansas State has decided to bring back a Relay For Life event that will be completely student-run next Saturday.
The event will start with an opening ceremony where head football coach Bill Snyder will speak to the crowd, followed by the survivor/caregiver walk, the luminaria walk to honor those fighting cancer and those who have died and then the closing ceremony at midnight.
“The theme for the year is Monopoly, so we will have a lot of games that people can participate in,” Marie Jackson, sophomore in elementary education, said. “We will also have Bill Snyder, an improv group and Cadence A Cappella Club as live entertainment. So, we will always have something for people to do so you will never be bored at the six-hour event.”
The organizers are planning on having around 96 teams of about 300 students involved. Ultimately, they aim for individuals and teams to donate and raise funds toward a goal of $48,000.
“People who want to get involved should definitely give it a try because any sort of charitable organization that you can participate in is a great thing to do,” Larissa Oshima, sophomore in architecture, said.
Some students look forward to the speakers who will be at the fundraiser.
“My favorite part about Relay For Life is the luminaries because it shows all of the hope and love for all of the people who are fighting and for the people who have fought cancer,” Ethan Doherty, freshman in architecture, said.
“You will never meet somebody that isn’t affected by cancer,” Jackson said. “It is such a widespread disease that everyone has some form of connection to it.”
The Relay For Life fundraiser will be March 3 at the Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
