All-nighter for a cure

Cancer never sleeps, and neither will the American Cancer Society.\nThe American Cancer Society is holding its annual Relay for Life event from 3 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday on the Billy Hayes Track. The event will honor both local cancer survivors and caregivers while raising funds and awareness for cancer research and patient programs.\n“This is an overnight event,” said Andrea Curtis-French, American Cancer Society staff partner. “It provides an opportunity to remember those that were lost. The premise is cancer never sleeps, nor will we.”\nFundraising throughout the year was an important factor in joining the fight against cancer, and teams came together in different ways to support the cause, said junior Liz Retana.\n“I’ve seen teams doing bake sales, getting sponsorships from businesses and e-mailing friends and family,” Retana said.\nStudents participating in Relay for Life can form teams in advance, in hopes of gaining more members. Each team is in charge of raising money and participating in the walk around the track.\n“Each team keeps a person on the track at all times,” said Beth Taber, sophomore and leadership development chair. “There will be activities, contests, prizes and bands to keep (people) entertained.”\nThe main event, the Luminaria Ceremony, will occur during the night and those who donate will receive a bag and candle.\n“Participants are encouraged to be creative when decorating the luminaries,” Retana said. “We place them around the track and light a candle inside each one. This ceremony honors those who have survived cancer and those who have lost the battle.”\nPutting together an event like Relay for Life is done on a volunteer basis. Informational meetings have been held throughout the year for teams to learn about everything from fund-raising ideas to what is expected at this year’s event, according to the Web site.\n“I have the joy of working with volunteers to put on this event,” Curtis-French said. “(Relay for Life) is completely volunteer-driven and it is amazing that students can put on such an event like this.”\nAs of press time, 53 teams had signed up to participate and more than $39,000 of the $90,000 goal has been raised, according to the IU Relay for Life Web site.\n“(The most rewarding part of the event) is seeing the survivors and seeing their appreciation while bonding together,” Taber said. “The support system is the most amazing part.”