Relay for Life, an event planned solely by students, will be held on April 25 from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. in the Gerhard Fieldhouse. Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society event that raises awareness and money to help end the fight against cancer. A dedicated committee of over 50 students has been working hard to organize every aspect of the event.

The Relay for Life committee has worked hard to increase attendance. The committee worked with the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council in order to have a large Greek life presence. They also reached out to sports teams, clubs, faculty, staff, and the Lewisburg community. Approximately 1,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Relay for Life.

“It has been our main initiative to increase how many people come because it’s one of the more inclusive events on campus. It just matters if you’re there to support one another because so many people on this campus are affected by cancer,” Relay for Life Chair Jenn Rich ’16 said.

In order to raise awareness about cancer and highlight the fact that cancer impacts everyone in one way or another, three students will be speaking at the event. One speech will be from a student who battled cancer, another will be from a student who knows someone currently battling cancer, and the last will be from a student who lost someone due to cancer.

“Each of our three speakers [has] a unique story to share, and I believe that all who are in attendance will benefit from their moving speeches,” Relay for Life Co-Chair Stephanie Grayson ’17 said.

In addition, the 12-hour event is set to be filled with a variety of activities. There will be student musical performers, a comedy routine by We Brake for Nobody, Zumba, limbo, and much more. On top of all of the activities, there will also be refreshments, including mocktails and Rita’s Italian ice.

So far, over $42,000 has been raised for the University’s Relay for Life. This number continues to increase in the days leading up to the event. Ultimately, the goal is to raise $86,000.

“This year my hope is that every person who attends will feel the impact of how incredible the work of Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society is. This organization helps countless people every day. Each and every person who donates or fundraises for our event is making a tremendously meaningful contribution to the lives of people battling cancer,”  Grayson said.