More than 690 people participated in the Relay For Life event at Shippensburg University and raised more than $37,000 to fight back against cancer.
Relay For Life is an overnight fundraising walk that gives people an opportunity to celebrate those who have battled cancer, honor those who lost and fight back against this disease.
The people of SU camped out in the gym and the 36 teams took turns walking the track. The event took place in the ShipRec Center at SU and went from 6 p.m. Friday evening until 6 a.m. Saturday morning.
At this event, entertainment, such as games and student performers, was provided throughout the night. InMotion Dance Troupe performed and everyone gathered around to watch. Games such as Cornhole, Twister and Frisbee were set up for students and raffle tickets were handed out for a chance to win prizes. Prizes like gift cards to Giant Food Stores, water bottles and blankets were offered.
The highlight of Relay For Life was the Luminaria ceremony. Paper bags were lit up with candles, lining the track as people walked. Participants remembered and honored those who lost or are battling cancer. The paper bags were personalized with names and messages in support of those who have been affected by cancer. As the ceremony went on, anyone could see the emotions that filled people’s eyes as they gathered to support one another.
When students were asked about what brought them to this event, most had family members who passed away from cancer.
SU student Jackie Smith lost her grandmother to breast and bone cancer.
“My grandmother would always say, ‘Don’t count the days, make the days count,’ so that’s why I am here, in honor of her,” Smith said.
Another student, Maddison Rogers, also came in honor of her grandmother who had stage 4 lung cancer and passed away in June.
One part of the event was an emotional gathering of cancer survivors who shared their stories. They talked about how much cancer had affected not only themselves but also their friends and family.
“It’s so inspiring to hear these people tell stories about cancer and how they have stayed so strong not knowing what will come next,” student Abbey DeBaugh said.
The survivors were so touched and inspired by everyone who came out and participated in such a special event.
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