The sixth annual Relay For Life walk kicks off April 17 in Memorial Stadium at A&M Commerce at 7 p.m., continuing until 7 a.m. April 18.
Holly Brown, president of Colleges Against Cancer said Relay For Life is a time to celebrate the ones that have won their battle against cancer, remember the ones that have lost and support the ones that are still fighting. It is also a time to encourage awareness within the community and raise money for cancer research, education and patient services.
In 2008, A&M-Commerce raised $69,886.54 with 45 teams participating.
“Last year we got first place in our collegiate bracket for raising the most money,” Brown said.
Relay For Life is open to the public and anyone who would like to participate.
No admission fee will be necessary. Booths will be set up with team members around the stadium and luminaries will be placed in remembrance of the ones that have lost their battles.
“It’s about celebration, remembrance and hope,” Carrie Katchinska, team captain and mentor said. “We honor cancer survivors, pay tributes and are able to raise money for cancer research.”
This is an on going event that will continue for 12 hours. For some it is more than just an event.
“I was touched by cancer when I was 10 and my friend lost his battle with a brain tumor. I never knew one day I would be diagnosed as well. My first year in college I was diagnosed and I never had so much support from complete strangers,” Brown said.
“It’s hard to explain Relay because it is more than an even. It is about passion from people, it is an emotion you have to there to experience, it’s awesome.” Katchinska said.
The community is encouraged to participate in this event and help even more people than last year. There will be a registration table set up at the entrance of the stadium at no cost and people may come and go as they please.
T-shirts will also be available to purchase, as well as other Relay For Life merchandise.