NEWS

The American Cancer Society calculated that more than 500,000 people died from cancer in the United States last year. That staggering statistic cannot be changed, but FAU has a chance to help current and future cancer patients at the Relay for Life event on March 19 and 20.

The event, which has been held at FAU since 2004, is an all-night affair starting at 4 p.m. and going until 9 a.m. the next morning.

Relay for Life raises money for cancer research by selling food and drinks, playing games, and selling luminaries (paper bags containing lit candles). Students can purchase these luminaries in honor of someone who lost their battle, is currently fighting against the disease, or has overcome cancer.

The luminaries are lit during the Ceremony of Hope, which begins once the sun goes down.

“During the Ceremony of Hope, people stand by their luminaries to remember a loved one. It’s very therapeutic,” said Alicemaude Hernandez, senior secretary of the Office of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs on the Davie campus, who lost her sister to breast cancer.

Currently, there are about 200 students and faculty signed up to walk the track behind the Burrow on the Boca campus as part of the event.

David Mennillo, an education major and chair of FAU’s Relay for Life committee, has been participating in the event since his aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago.

“I’m excited. This year’s Relay for Life will be awesome, and I’m really looking forward to the luminaries; it’s my favorite part,” said Mennillo.

Relay for Life events are held around the country each year, and most of the major Florida schools participate, including Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida and Florida International University. “It’s a little in-state competition to see which school raises the most,” said Rebecca Raulin of the American Cancer Society.

Last year, FAU raised $22,617 for cancer research.

“Our goal this year is $30,000,” said Raulin, who lost her grandmother and, two years ago, mother to cancer.

The American Cancer Society documented more than 1.4 million new cases of cancer last year. FAU and the American Cancer Society hopes the all-night event reminds participants that hope will light the way to a cure.

Students and faculty can purchase luminaries before the event, or the day of, for as little as $1 or as much as they wish to donate.

For additional information, you can contact Rebecca Raulin of the American Cancer Society at [email protected] or at (561) 394-7751, ext. 5309. If you would like to have a luminary lit at FAU’s Relay for Life event to remember or honor someone, please contact Alicemaude Hernandez at [email protected] and ask her to send you the order form as an e-mail attachment.