The ninth annual Relay For Life event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, will be held in the Alumni Sports and Recreation Center (Armory) April 25-26 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Relay For Life is a community event that celebrates the lives of cancer survivors and remembers those who have lost their battle with the devastating disease. This year, committee members have selected a pop culture theme that celebrates the 1990s to 2000s.
The annual overnight event attracts more than 800 participants
from over 70 teams.
Colleges Against Cancer, a Rensselaer Union student organization, is coordinating the event this year along with support from members of the Rensselaer campus community—including Greek Life, student-athletes, student clubs, faculty, staff, and others. To date, they have joined forces to raise more than $25,000 (and counting) for cancer research.
Thus far, more than 70 teams and nearly 800 participants have registered to support the event. Participating teams will walk or run laps around the Armory track in an effort to increase cancer awareness, raise funds, and celebrate survivorship.
“I stepped in as chair because I wanted to do my part to fight back against this horrible disease,” said Molly Zuk, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and Design, Innovation, and Society, who is serving as this year’s Relay For Life chair. “I really appreciate what the event stands for and I think it is a great opportunity for the campus to raise money and awareness. My amazing committee and I have been hard at work to ensure our event is an entertaining and rewarding experience for all involved.We’re really looking forward to the event and we really hope to see as many people there as possible.”
The annual event is coordinated by a committee of nearly 30 students devoted to planning activities, entertainment, and the engagement of the Rensselaer community. Zuk noted that committee members hope to raise $100,000, and are working to encourage as many campus participants as possible to get involved with the event.
Last year, Relay For Life at Rensselaer involved more than 1,300 participants and raised $94,101. Since its inception, Rensselaer has raised more than $800,000 to support patient services, research, education, and advocacy within the Capital Region. In 2011, Rensselaer was recognized by the American Cancer Society as one of the top 15 Per Capita Award winners for raising more than $103,000.
More information, and to register for Relay for Life 2014.
Follow the Rensselaer Relay For Life event on Facebook.
Join the social media discussion on Twitter using the hashtag: #RPIRelay.