It is that time of year again! No, not race weekend, but ETSU’s Relay For Life.
Relay For Life, starting April 1 and going all night, has outdone itself this year with 20 teams that have already raised $6,885 online for The American Cancer Society.
In 2004, 225 colleges participated in Relay For Life, an event that creatively raises money for the American Cancer Society. At ETSU last year, 16 teams participated and together raised over $16,800 to help fight cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
Students, faculty and staff from many organizations form teams to be involved in Relay For Life and raise money to sponsor the all-night party. The goal is to make sure that each team has at least one person walking at all time. Teams in addition work to raise money at the event. Last year teams sold anything from hamburgers and cupcakes to turns playing video games.
“A lot of students have been personally impacted by cancer,” said Anna-Catherine Davenport, the American Cancer Society staff partner for ETSU. “Relay For Life gives them the opportunity to do something to help when they otherwise could not.”
Participants in Relay For Life walk the track throughout the night while also enjoying activities planned by the chair committee. “It is a fun way to have an impact,” said Davenport. “You can have a good time while helping people.”
Activities during the night will include a “dude looks like a lady” contest, a pajama party with a “Pajama Mama” contest, team relay Olympics and a talent show. At the end of the event, Saturday morning, awards will be given out to the teams with the most spirit and for the best-decorated campsite.
The luminaria ceremony is also a huge part of Relay For Life. Luminarias are lit at 9 p.m. with the Dome lights dimmed. These are sold in honor of those who have been touched by cancer, either in their honor or memory. For the rest of the night these luminaries will shine in honor of those who have battled cancer and light the way for the participants walking on their journey.
This is Relay’s third year at ETSU and is growing tremendously. In 2004, because of the incredible success, ETSU’s Relay For Life won the National Heart of Relay Award for College Excellence.
“ETSU students and faculty have been incredible,” said Davenport. “I have been very impressed with their creative fundraisers and enthusiasm throughout the preparation for the event.”
Survivors of cancer on campus have also formed their own support groups that have lunch meetings and are working together to raise money.
Relay For Life will take place Friday, April 1, at 5 p.m. in the Mini Dome. This event is open to anyone who would like to come, whether you are associated with a team or not.
Also, anyone who is a survivor is invited to the survivor celebration that begins at 6 p.m. and includes all survivors walking the first lap around the track.

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