Relay for Life unites survivors, supporters in fight against cancer

Supporting cancer research is an around-the-clock endeavor for survivors and their supporters, as experienced by participants who walked around a track for 24 consecutive hours at Colleges against Cancer’s annual Relay for Life Friday.

CAC President Hannah Ramion explained in an email that the event “goes into the night because cancer never sleeps, so neither do [they]!”

UW-Madison’s Relay for Life, held at the Camp Randall Sports Center, attracted nearly 625 participants. Funds raised from the event went to the national CAC organization, which has raised $50,000 since September to donate to cancer research.

CAC’s goal with hosting Relay For Life is to raise money towards their year-long goal of $100,000. It also serves to raise awareness for cancer research.

The event began with a lap celebrating the cancer survivors in attendance. As they walked around the track, members of CAC and volunteers cheered in support.

The second lap was dedicated to caregivers who aided their loved ones through their fight against cancer. The third lap opened the remainder of the relay to remaining participants.

A highlight of the event, according to Ramion, was the Luminaria ceremony.

“This is where we come together to honor those who are battling or have won their fight, and to remember those who have lost their battle to cancer and celebrate their lives,” Ramion said.

The event concluded with the Fight Back Ceremony, which informed participants how to continue to fight against cancer.

“It is important because it celebrates those who have battled this awful disease,” Ramion said. “[Relay For Life] acts as a symbol of hope to keep working to find a cure.”