Written by Payton Sauder ‘24 (Occupational Therapy major, Medical Humanities and Human Services minor), Matt Allen ‘24 (Criminal Justice major), and Madison Kupcha ‘24 (Secondary Education major, Creative Writing minor)

Elizabethtown College is hosting its annual Relay For Life event, presented by Etown’s student-run division of the Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) organization. The 12-hour celebration will take place on April 14 through 15 from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. in Thompson Gym. This year’s theme is “Wipe Out Cancer,” with participants being encouraged to arrive dressed in their favorite beachy attire.

“We are so excited for this year’s Relay for Life and the opportunity to raise money for the American Cancer Society,” Brooke Charria, CAC Club President said. “We have a lot of fun activities and meaningful events planned and look forward to hopefully beating our goal of the $17,000 raised last year!”

All Etown and surrounding community members are welcome to take part.  A donation of $15 for entry is required, and attendees can stay for a few hours or all night. Participants can register for the event here and stay updated on local sponsors who will be attending the event.

A collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the CAC, Relay For Life is the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraising event. The event will also offer various drop-in activities to keep participants energized including performances from student groups, games, themed laps, a club fair, DJ, free food, and much more! Survivorship speakers will share their stories, while a haircutting ceremony to collect donations for children with hair loss will take place as well.

In the evening, volunteers will help light Luminaria bags for the Luminaria Memory Ceremony. The bags will be placed around Thompson as a way to honor those who are bravely fighting their cancer battles and for those who we have tragically lost in the community.

About Relay for Life
For more than 36 years Relay For Life has worked to bring communities affected by cancer across the world together to honor and pay tribute to loved ones lost to cancer. The money that is fundraised by students across the country will be used to help offer support to those in need by providing patients with 24/7 support, access to lifesaving screenings, and helps support breakthrough research.