From Friday, March 27 until Saturday, March 28, the communities of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Drew University and the College of Saint Elizabeth will unite to honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to lives lost and raise money to fight the disease.

Relay for Life, hosted by the American Cancer Society and FDU’s own Colleges Against Cancer, is an annual event.

During the event, each college will be representing a certain number of teams that have worked to raise money. The money is used to make a difference for those people whose lives have been affected by cancer. For the overnight event, the colleges of Madison Avenue will gather in the Ferguson Recreation Center. Throughout the night, at least one team member will be walking the track and the event will open as cancer survivors take the first lap.

Highlighting the evening will be a Luminaria Ceremony of Hope held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. It is the most moving event during the night, as the candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

The event will run from 4 p.m. on Friday until 6:30 a.m. the following morning.

This year, Fairleigh Dickinson University has successfully recorded 25 participating teams and has raised more than $7,000, followed by the College of Saint Elizabeth with $4,500 and Drew University with $1,500.

Some of the participating organizations from FDU are the Student Volunteer Association, Florham Programming Committee and Student Government Association.

Various activities will take place throughout the night, including Zumba, dodge ball, a dance-off, a relay race competition, tug of war and limbo.

This year, the event will be 80s themed.

Relay for Life is an opportunity for people all over the world to join as one and tackle a lifesaving mission. Above all, the fight against cancer is a team effort and Relay for Life is truly a way to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and empower all people to fight against a disease that takes too much.

Donations to the cause are still being accepted. Money will fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information, advocate for all people to have access to screening and treatment and offer programs and services to improve the quality of life for people facing the life-threatening disease.

MEGHAN DROGE
Staff Writer