Relay for Life
Feb. 3, 2009
Baylor faculty and staff will play an important role in helping to raise money this spring to support the fight against cancer.
The second annual Baylor Relay for Life will be held March 27-28 with the goal of raising $150,000 for the American Cancer Society. During last year's inaugural event, Baylor students, faculty and staff contributed more than $100,000 to cancer research.
Local teams of 15-30 people are responsible for raising money prior to the event, with each team member asked to bring in at least $100 in donations.
The Relay for Life will begin at 7 p.m. March 27 on the intramural fields between the Baylor Sciences Building and University Parks Drive. Fundraising teams will camp out there until the event ends at 7 a.m. March 28, taking turns as in a relay by running or walking around the fields.
Kicking off the event will be a free "survivor dinner" to honor those at Baylor and in Waco who have successfully battled cancer.
"Anyone can nominate a cancer survivor to be honored at the dinner," said Kendra Kirkland, a San Angelo junior who serves as a student co-chair of Relay for Life. "Survivors are a huge reason why we hold this event."
Following their recognition at the dinner, the cancer survivors will then walk the first lap around the intramural fields to officially begin the Relay.
"We'll also have 'virtual survivors' who will be walking in honor of those who can't be present," Kirkland said.
The overnight Relay will feature other fundraising events geared toward Baylor employees.
"One way professors can be involved is to participate in our Pie a Prof event," Kirkland said. "Professors volunteer to sit onstage for an hour as students pay $5 per pie to give their favorite teachers a face full of whipped cream."
Faculty and staff also may purchase luminaria for a suggested $10 donation. The lighted luminaria bags will then be placed around the track, lighting the path of those walking or running.
For more information on the Baylor Relay for Life, visit Relay for Life or e-mail BU-Relay@baylor.edu.
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