Relay for Life to benefit American Cancer Society

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Hundreds of Rochester Institute of Technology students will pull an all-nighter Saturday May 11, but it’s not to study for final exams. RIT’s first outdoor Relay for Life walk, which raises money for cancer research and cancer patients, will take place 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday, outside at RIT’s main entrance.

Participants in the overnight fundraiser will walk for 12 hours around the main entrance, nicknamed “The Bowl” for the relay. Teams of 10-15 people camp out for the night, as members of the team take turns walking around the track. All proceeds from the night of celebration, remembrance and taking action go to the American Cancer Society.

Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service, a vigil held at nightfall to honor survivors and to remember those lost to cancer. During the relay, various cancer survivors—some of whom are currently battling cancer—will tell their stories and offer encouragement. The event also features live entertainment, including local bands, free food and games for participants. More than 300 people have already registered on 41 teams, with more than $16,500 raised.

“Relay For Life is a great opportunity to come together and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” said Jessica Zink, a first-year physician assistant major from Penfield, N.Y., and an organizer of the event. “It provides us with a way to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease and fight back with the shared belief that cancer will be one day be eliminated.”

All community members are welcome to the Relay for Life, hosted by RIT’s Colleges Against Cancer Club. To register for or donate to the walk, go to the Relay for Life website. For more information, contact Rebecca Delaney at radccl@rit.edu or 585-475-7651.