5 reasons to Relay

FIU Relay For Life will once again team up with students, faculty and staff to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Following last year’s record breaking $118,000, the teams will aim to raise $125,000, which will benefit cancer research. Relay for Life begins Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. at Ryder Business Loop, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, and will end early Saturday morning.

One of the university’s largest fundraising events, Relay For Life offers several opportunities for the FIU community to participate, even if you haven’t registered to be part of a team.

Here are the top 5 reasons to Relay:

1. Survivors’ Ceremony

The event begins with the Cancer Survivors’ Lap that celebrates those who have survived or those who are currently battling cancer. Survivors kick off the event by walking the first lap of the night around the track– a reminder to participants that one small donation could be the reason why a survivor is able to take a lap around the track.

2. Beautiful Lengths

In partnership with Pantene Beautiful Lengths, Relay For Life offers participants a chance to donate more than just money. At a hair-cutting ceremony, women can donate 8-inches or more of hair to make real-hair wigs for other women battling hair loss during their cancer treatments. Last year, more than 200 women of all ages participated.

3. Food, Music, and Fun

As the teams camp out around the track, there are a variety of fun things to do. There are lots of mouth-watering options, from food trucks that serve burgers, kabobs, and crepes to food stands with desserts like waffles with nutella. After devouring all that food you and your friends can dance off all those calories and party all night with a live DJ. If dancing isn’t your thing, there are also games to play. You can send your friends to jail until they raise enough money to break free or even challenge them in an ultimate sumo wrestling battle.

4. Bringing Light to the Night

Personalized luminarias (candlelit bags) are placed around the track to light up the night. Each luminaria is dedicated to a loved one who lost their battle to cancer or to honor someone who is still fighting the disease. Throughout the night, the luminarias remind walkers just how many people have been touched by cancer.

5. Hope Cup

No event would be complete without a trophy, and Relay is no different. A trophy called the Hope Cup will be awarded to one individual and one team that raises the most money. Everyone who makes it through the overnight event will also receive recognition.

Teams can register through Feb. 21, 2015. Donations for the event can be made on the Relay for Life website or at the event.

Since its inception in 2004, FIU Relay For Life has donated approximately $815,000 to the American Cancer Society.

 – By Amanda Graham