Relay for Life

Despite the seemingly constant rain, the sun still shines on UT as the 10th-annual Relay For Life is set for tomorrow and ending Saturday morning at the Student Recreation Center.

 The event consists of teams walking around a track to raise money. At least one member of each team has to be on the track at all times, and there are fun events available for any team members taking a rest.

Additionally, there is a special ceremony called the Luminaria. This ceremony is held as a tribute to loved ones who have passed from cancer. The names of these people are then printed on bags that can be purchased for $10.

Although scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., the festivities have already begun for several UT students.

One participant is Alyssa Hoop,  a senior majoring in biology and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity at UT.

Hoop has been participating in Relay since her freshmen year and the event has a special meaning for her.

"Last year, my mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer," she said. "My mother is the glue that holds my family together, she was never the one who got sick, so it was initially very hard on me and my family."

Through surgery and treatments, her mom's cancer was treated and Hoop continues to be an advocate for the cause.

For those participating, raising money and support for cancer research is essential. All of the entrance fees and donations collected go directly to the American Cancer Society, which sponsors research and several support programs.

This year, Alpha Phi Omega has been the leader in raising funds for the event.

According to Gretchen D'Arcangelo, a senior majoring in pharmacy and co-chair of the Relay Committee, last year's Relay raised approximately $30,000 and this year's goal is $36,000.

D'Arcangelo said that up to 1,000 students and faculty members are expected to participate and she is confident all of the event's goals will be met.

D'Arcangelo has been highly involved in Relay for three years and it is now part of her responsibility to make sure the relay runs smoothly.

D'Arcangelo said the actual relay was lacking something which was preventing true success.

"I didn't like the way it was; I wanted to make it better," she said.

This year's relay will include more activities and a DJ to keep the participants interested.

 The progression of the event throughout the night symbolizes the struggle and pain of those with cancer, and the sunrise represents hope – a light at the end of the tunnel.

"Relay For Life, for me, means hope," Hoop said. "The money donated through the event funds cancer research which gives families and loved ones hope all around the world."

Those who didn't register for the event but still want to participate, registration is open until tomorrow at 6:30 p.m., before the opening ceremony. The cost is $20 per person.