ETSU students and faculty teamed up with Relay for Life Friday night and Saturday to raise $7,000 for cancer research and cancer victims.
During the walk-a-thon for the Relay for Life, there were several other things to do beside walking laps to earn money for people affected by cancer.
Various tents sponsored by different departments were set up on the intramural track.
“Students could play foosball or ring toss for a dollar or buy some brownies from bake sales,”said Stacey Fentress, faculty advisor for the event.
A “Dude Looks Like a Lady” contest caught the eyes of many. Several male students sported dresses and colored wigs in order to raise money.
Approximately 22 teams participated, each including 8-15 people.
Each team commits to raise $100. Members of each group take turns walking for the entire 12 hours.
“It’s a really great feeling to know that you are helping people,” said Alison Greybeal.
In 2002, Relay for Life raised approximately $245 million.
All of that money is used for primary research, advocacy, education about prevention and detection and patient services. Patient services includes support services and scholarships for people affected by cancer, said Kimberly Burrows, American Cancer Society staff member.
Since 1985, the American Cancer Society has raised almost $1 billion.
Many people who participated in the walk-a-thon are cancer victims themselves, or know someone who is.
“Cancer is the second leading cause of death, next to heart disease, but it is soon to overtake it,” said Burrows.
Approximately, 500 people were at the event at one point, and by 7 a.m., there were 100 people.
The College of Business earned the most money at $880; Jyll Johnson raised the most money as an individual at $300.
Saturday night’s walk-a-thon was the first time ETSU participated in any relay for Life event.

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