Every year, 559,650 Americans die of cancer – that's 1,500 a day, according to the American Cancer Society. To help fight against cancer, the group Colleges Against Cancer is now beginning to raise money for the American Cancer Society for an upcoming gala and Relay for Life.
"We really want to raise money for cancer awareness, research and support," said Colleen Riley, a senior in the College of Communication and event chair of Relay for Life. "Our goal is to raise $45,000 and have 45 teams."
This is the second Relay for Life at Marquette, which kicks off April 27 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Valley Fields. It is an overnight event in which students and faculty can form teams of eight to 15 people, taking turns walking the track.
To raise money for Relay for Life, CAC is throwing a semi-formal Relay for Life Gala on Feb. 16 in the Alumni Memorial Union Ballroom B. Tickets are $5 each, and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
The club is also selling "cancer sucks" bracelets to raise awareness and money.
"It was an eye-opening experience to actually see how many people have been affected by cancer in one way or another in their life," said Sarah Salzer, a senior in the College of Communication and CAC publicity chair. "Many have lost parents, relatives, friends and others have battled it themselves."
Last year's event raised $36,000 for the American Cancer Society, with a turnout of about 500 survivors, guests and participants, according to Mary Blauw, a sophomore in the College of Nursing and secretary of the CAC.
The theme was superheroes, and activities included a Mountain Dew flip cup tournament, hula-hoop contest, Studio 013 refugees show and a dance contest.
"This year's theme is decades," Riley said. "We'll have different activities for each decade, like Twister for the 1960s and poker for the 1920s."
According to Salzer, the teams can incorporate the decade theme into their team name, costumes and decorations for tents.
"You think it will be hard to stay awake the whole night," said Amanda Pazik, a sophomore in the College of Nursing and member of CAC. "But you end up not even thinking about it – it's a lot of fun and a great bonding experience."
There will also be a survivor's lap to celebrate survivors and a luminaria ceremony to remember those who were lost to cancer.
"Everyone in their lifetime will know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer," Blauw said.
To sign up for Relay for Life, register online at www.acsevents.org/relay/wi/wearemarquette. The cost for each team is $155. Team members can raise money individually by asking family and friends for donations, and collectively with bake sales and other fundraisers.
"You get a real sense of fulfillment by participating," Riley said. "Everyone on the committee really bonded through our support of cancer relationships. When you do something to better the world, you feel fulfilled."