Shippensburg University hosted its annual Relay For Life event in collaboration with the American Cancer Society in the Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) program in the ShipRec Center on April 10.

The event-packed night ran from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., with fun activities planned throughout to keep everyone invested. Campus groups could register together to participate in the event.

According to the American Cancer Society’s website, Relay For Life is “a chance to come together in your local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life.”

SU’s chapter had a goal of raising $20,000 for the cause.

SU’s own campus radio station WSYC had a deejay setup and played music during the event.

After student registration, the night began with an opening ceremony from members of Shippensburg University’s chapter of CAC. 

Riley Kendall, SU’s chapter president of CAC, highlighted the importance of the night-long event.

“Tonight is more than an event on our campus calendar,” Kendall said. “It’s more than a fundraiser, more than a gathering and more than a tradition. Relay For Life is a testament to resilience, to remembrance and to hope.”

Kendall also talked about the strength of perseverance in even the toughest of times.

“Hold on to your ‘why,’” Kendall said. “Maybe it’s a parent who fought bravely. Maybe it’s a friend who is currently in treatment. Maybe it’s your own journey. Or maybe it’s the simple belief that no one should have to face cancer alone. Whatever your reason is, carry it with you tonight because every lap you walk is a statement. It says we will not give up. It says we will continue to fight.”

After Kendall’s final remarks, SU’s CAC chapter vice president, Brittany Lee took the stage to share a few words about the events to come and the impact that can be made.

“Each [event] holds deep meaning and gives us a chance to reflect, connect and recommit ourselves to this cause,” Lee said. “For relay is not only about reflection, it is also about action. What we do here matters beyond tonight. That is the impact that you are making.”

After the opening ceremony, the relay began with a lap to commemorate the survivors and caregivers present at the event. All the participants began walking the track, with survivors and caregivers leading the way.

Some other key moments included a dance performance from In-Motion Dance Troupe, Are You Smarter Than A CAC Member, Seek and Find Musical Chairs and Tug O’ War with SU campus police.

Throughout the entire night, students could pay to put another person in “jail,” where they would remain for a select amount of time before being released back into the relay.

The Luminaria Ceremony was a highlight of the night. The ceremony features Luminaria bags that are decorated by participants to honor a loved one who has lost their life or been affected by cancer.

“The Luminaria Ceremony is a ceremony of remembrance and hope,” according to the American Cancer Society’s website. “It is a time to grieve for those we have lost, to reflect on our own or loved ones’ cancer experience and to find hope that tomorrow holds the promise of a cancer-free world.”

Relay For Life 2026 concluded with the Fight Back Ceremony and the total announcement of money raised.

For more information on CAC and the American Cancer Society, check out these resources:

SU CAC Instagram: @shipu_cac

American Cancer Society website: https://www.cancer.org

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