Kean fights back against cancer with Relay for Life fundraiser

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By Rose Marie Kitchen | Published April 1, 2016

The opportunity to honor, celebrate and remember loved ones that have been affected by cancer is right around the corner, it is estimated that this year’s Relay For Life will be the biggest one yet with the theme of world sports.

On Friday, April 1, until Saturday, April 2, The Office of Student Government will be hosting the American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Hardwood Arena. Relay For Life is an overnight event that gives everyone the chance to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer.

“I am so excited for this event,” said Kira Richards, a senior business management major. “This will be my third year participating. I always join my friend’s team in memory of her grandmother and every year this event gets better and better.”

It is a team event where members take turns walking around the track to honor Relay For Life’s slogan of cancer never sleeps. Individuals interested are encouraged to create or join a team.

This event cannot exceed 400 participants and absolutely no additional registrants will be accepted once that number has been reached. There is already over 350 participants currently registered.

After the opening ceremony, there will be the survivor lap dedicated to honoring and celebrating all survivors. Anyone who knows a cancer survivor or is a survivor is encourage to join Relay For Life to walk the survivor lap.

During the event there will be rock wall climbing, football, Fit to Be Kean workouts, face painting, cupcake decorating and so much more. There will also be food trucks and carnival games. Each team is required to have a table during Relay For Life and a table activity for additional donations.

The event will conclude with a remembrance ceremony to remember loved ones that have lost their battle with cancer and honor those currently battling the disease. A luminaria is a personalized paper bag that contains a candle. The lights will be shut off and the bags will be illuminated. Each luminaria may be purchased for $10.

Funds will be raised through a combination of private donations and items sold at each team’s table during the event. All money raised will go to the American Cancer Society.

Anyone who cannot make the event but still wishes to donate is welcome to do so by visiting the ACS Relay For Life website. Last year Kean University raised over $18,000 and Student Organization has high hopes to surpass that number this year. More information may be found by clicking here.

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