BELLINGHAM - Western Washington University along with Western Students Against Cancer (WSAC) will host the 5th annual Relay For Life event May 17-18 on WWU's track as part of Western Showtime Family Weekend.
Relay For Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is a time to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors, remember friends and family lost to the disease and fight back in hopes of finding a cure.
The event will commence at noon Saturday, May 17, and wrap up at 8 a.m. Sunday, May 18. During the event, teams of participants take turns walking or running laps. The teams must keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
"Our 2008 goal is $125,000 and 85 teams," said Rachel Rotter, chair of WWU Relay For Life. "Each team typically has about 10 team members; in order to reach our goal, each participant is encouraged to raise at least $125."
Pat Flynn, co-founder of Relay For Life, will speak during the opening ceremonies about how she has seen the relay grow during the past 24 years. Other important activities include the Survivors' Lap, the first lap of the relay in which cancer survivors kick off the event, and the Luminaria Ceremony, in which participants light a candle in memory of people who have fought against the disease. The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The event will also include karaoke, games, prizes, food, and a performance by The Growers, a local band that will play at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
All donations will go to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.
People interested in participating can join a team already in progress, create their own team or participate as individuals. For more information or to make a donation, please visit http://events.cancer.org/rflwesternwashington or e-mail wwurelay@hotmail.com.
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