The annual WUSTL Relay For Life will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21, at Francis Field’s Bushyhead Track.
The relay is a 12-hour family friendly event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society.
Last year, the event attracted more than 2,000 volunteers who helped to generate more than $150,000 for cancer research, advocacy, patient services and education — making WUSTL’s the top-ranked event in the High Plains Division, which includes Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Hawaii. The event was the fourth-largest grossing relay in the nation.
“Relay For Life is such a positive and wonderful time,” says senior Jeffrey Knisley, co-chair of this year’s event. “It brings together people from the WUSTL and St. Louis communities to celebrate cancer survivors and remember loved ones. We’re proud to be able to help the American Cancer Society fund research and provide care for patients.”
The focus of this year’s event is celebration, said senior Michelle Beasley, vice president of development for the event.
“We are increasing our emphasis on fundraising to continue supporting the American Cancer Society in these tough economic times,” Beasley says. “The American Cancer Society’s mission is to help people stay well, get well, find cures and fight back against cancer. The funds raised by our relay go to support the American Cancer Society and many of the patient services in the area, such as Hope Lodge.”
Located on Lindell Boulevard, Hope Lodge provides free housing to cancer patients and their caregivers who need to travel to St. Louis for treatment.
During the relay, teams of 8-15 people raise money beforehand and through the course of the night have at least one team member walking, jogging or running around the track. In addition, teams decorate campsites, participate in games and activities, including “Relay Idol” and the “Kiddie Karnival,” and enjoy entertainment from student performance groups and outside artists.
Anyone is welcome to enter the event for a $10 donation per person.
Throughout the night, individuals who have been touched by cancer — patients, survivors and caregivers — will be remembered and honored.
“Relay For Life is a moving event for many of us,” Beasley says. “By fundraising, volunteering, even by just showing up and taking part, we feel like we are really doing something to help in the fight against cancer. So many of our students, faculty and staff on campus don’t realize the effect cancer has had on the people around them until they come to the event.”
Relay For Life is one of the premier fundraising events for the American Cancer Society. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Francis Field.
For more information on the event, to volunteer or to donate money to the American Cancer Society, visit relay.wustl.edu or e-mail mmbeasley@gmail.com.