Relay for Life raises $48,253 for cancer in annual 24-hour walk
Adam KaminskiThe Relay for Life motto "Cancer never sleeps, so neither should we" was in full effect this weekend.
The American Cancer Society raised a total of $48,253 at the annual event.
The Indoor Athletic Complex was packed full of participants and numerous on campus groups throughout the 24-hour walk.
"The money that we raise here goes to research, education, and many other things," said Lansing junior Railey Seabolt, an organizer for the event. "I think that it is so important that we work to bring an end to this deadly disease."
A total of 87 teams signed up to participate in the relay. A participant from each team was required to be walking on the track throughout the 24-hour period.
Set up around the track were dozens of stations, including massages, push-up contests and even a kissing booth. There were also live musical performances from several bands.
The initial goal for fundraising was $65,000, but organizers said that the goal is a difficult one, and that it can still be reached.
"We wanted to try to up our goal from last year," said Niles junior Kyle Whittaker. "We still have plenty of time until the end of the year to get our goal raised."
Marysville native Brian Seely was recently diagnosed with DCIS, a cancer rarely found in men. He was one of numerous victims who walked.
"It's all really new to me," he said. "I've educated myself on the Internet and through other survivors."
The atmosphere of the indoor track facility was overwhelming, Seely said.
"The whole thing is surreal," he said. "Coming here and seeing the support and optimism; everyone is just sharing the love."
Colleges Against Cancer was one organization that was present at the relay.
Spring Lake senior Jodi Haynes, president of the Central Michigan University branch, said that the relay has helped to bring people together, whether they have been diagnosed with cancer or not.
"It's just a way of getting people more involved on campus," she said. "It's a great way for people who have been touched by cancer to fight back."
studentlife@cm-life.com
