In 1983, a marathon-type event called Relay for Life began when a doctor from Washington State tried to raise money for his local American Cancer Society by running laps around a high school track. Today, this event has expanded to thousands of cities and towns, reaching many people while raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society.
On April 21, students at the University of Kentucky will have the opportunity to participate in Relay.
Relay for Life is coming to UK’s campus at the E.S. Goodbarn Field near Commonwealth Stadium from 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21 to 7 a.m. Sunday, April 22.
During Relay, members from every team will take turns walking a lap individually, or together so that at least one member from each team will be walking at all times. The event will also include a Survivors Lap, where cancer survivors are invited to come to the event and walk a lap to celebrate their own personal victory. A luminary ceremony will also take place. You can donate to have a loved one’s name on a luminary that will be lit sometime during the night to remember or honor those lost to cancer, or those who have or are battling cancer right now. Games, entertainment and other events will also take place during the event.
Graham Klink, a junior at the University of Kentucky is the Recruitment Chair for the Executive Board of Relay for Life and recruits people for the UK Relay for Life event. So far, she has recruited 37 teams, ranging from on-campus clubs, Greek organizations, dorms and roommates.
“I am really excited for this event,” said Klink. “This is my first Relay and I think it is a great reason for UK students to get together and raise money and awareness for a cause that affects everyone in some way. I’m most excited for the survivor lap, my grandma is coming up for that so it will be a really special time.”
Thomas Loxley, a sophomore at UK, is on a Relay for Life team with FarmHouse Fraternity. Loxley participated in his hometown’s Relay for Life previously, and says he is excited participate in the event again this year at UK.
“I always did Relay back home with my grandma, she helped plan the event each year and I would always volunteer as a kid. This is my first Relay at UK and I’m really excited to be a part of it. FarmHouse is planning a restaurant night to raise money for our team. Our goal is to have 10 members and raise $500. As of right now we have three members and $45. I am really looking forward to walking for a cause with my classmates and brothers,” Loxley said.
Currently the University of Kentucky’s Relay for Life has raised $5,189.00 and has 142 participants.
To sign up, visit relayforlife.org, click the “Get Involved” tab at the top, scroll down to “Find An Event”, type in “Lexington, Kentucky”, click the “University of Kentucky 2012 Relay for Life” tab. You can choose to start your own team, join one or donate.
To sign up is $10 and each team is encouraged to continue to raise money. Prizes are rewarded for each $100 per member and you can do individual or group fundraising. UK’s goal this year is to raise $25,000 and have 800 student participants.
If you live in the Lexington area, the Lexington city-wide Relay for Life will be taking place June 1. More details are listed on the website.