Raising over a thousand dollars and spreading breast cancer awareness, the annual Paint the Quad Pink ceremony and Paint Bucknell Pink 5k have become a Family Weekend tradition for many.

On the morning of Sept. 24, pink balloons dotted the campus. Along the Paint Bucknell Pink 5k course, members of the University’s Colleges Against Cancer and Relay for Life teams cheered on and directed runners and walkers while passing out cups of water. The 5k raised over a thousand dollars through sign-up fees and T-shirt sales. The event began at 9 a.m. outside of Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium.

Co-president of the University’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer Ally Levy ’18 addressed the crowd of participants at the starting line.

“I want to thank you all for coming out this morning and participating in this amazing event, this is an event very close my heart as both of my parents are cancer survivors and all of the money raised will go to breast cancer research and our very own Relay for Life,” Levy said.

For Wesley Morlock ’18 and his father, this run has been a part of their Family Weekend for the past four years.

“My dad is actually the one who pushed me to get to the race every year. I think that it is such an amazing cause and it is a fun event to do with parents and family. I’ve always been involved in Relay for Life and this is another way for me to have some fun while contributing to an awesome cause,” Morlock said.

Before the start of the walk/run, parents and students were able to purchase T-shirts and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Runner Lilly Brice ’20 commented on the event while stretching.

“Yeah, it’s a little early on a Sunday, but this is a great way to do something good,” Brice said.

The money raised will go toward the American Cancer Society as well as the University’s Relay for Life team.

The Paint the Quad Pink ceremony took place on the Malesardi Quadrangle from 7 p.m. to midnight the night prior to the 5k. On Sept. 23, students and families decorated and arranged luminaria bags to support those fighting cancer or in memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer. The bags were filled with pink glow sticks and used to illuminate the walkways along the Quad.

The members of the University’s Colleges Against Cancer organization and Relay for Life team began planning the events at the beginning of the 2017 fall semester. Time was spent on a variety of elements, which included seeking approval from the University to register students and families.

“My favorite part about both events is the people working behind the scenes to organize everything. Everyone is so passionate about this cause and it’s inspiring to see what lengths people will go to fight for what they care about,” Leah Chrisbacher ’20 said.

The University’s Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society will take place in the spring of 2018.