Students are preparing to walk for Relay for Life on Saturday, April 6, at the Rinker Field House. Already, 194 participants have registered and more than $10,000 has been raised. With more students registering every day, there is still time to join and raise money for the American Cancer Society.

This global event takes place in 20 countries and works to raise funds for cancer research and patient services, and spread awareness. The 12-hour fundraiser from noon to midnight serves as a chance for survivors and supporters to come together to celebrate success. Stetson’s Relay for Life event lead, Sophia Charney, is one of the many volunteers across the country that make this event possible.

There will be lots of activities with games and contests, live music and food at the Stetson event. A luminaria ceremony will light up Rinker Field House at 8 p.m. Cultural Credit is available for students.

Beyond putting together Relay for Life, Charney has had many friends and family affected by cancer and said, “I believe that ACS does so much every day to reach the goal of ending cancer once and for all, but while they are searching for a cure, they provide people with so much love and support.”

Charney has volunteered as a runner and worked the event for years. She knows that the event brings people together and that it can do a huge amount of good for the patients that rely on the American Cancer Society for their treatment and comfort. In the past, Relay for Life at Stetson has seen huge involvement from Greek Life, but she has also seen teams put together by individuals and other groups on campus.

“This year and last, we have gotten academic clubs, faculty and staff, residential buildings, and more people involved with the event. I am really excited to see the variety of people at the event and see what they can each bring. I hope this trend continues in years to come and I hope to come back to Stetson to see the entire community represented at the event,” Charney stated.

Relay for life will start in the Hollis Center’s Rinker Field House at noon on Saturday. Sign-up is still available.

–Carley Fockler

Carley Fockler ’15, English, is a graduate student in Stetson’s M.F.A. of the Americas Creative Writing Program.