Inaugural Baylor Relay For Life Will Begin April 11

by Devany Severin, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

The first All-University Baylor University Relay For Life, hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha, Baylor University Medical Ethics Discussion Society (BU MEDS) and Alpha Phi Omega, will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, and will last until 7 a.m. Saturday, April 12. The relay will take place on the Baylor Science Building intramural fields.

Last year, more than 4,000 Relay events around the country raised more than $400 million for cancer research and patient services funded by the American Cancer Society. The Baylor Relay For Life event, organized by a 34-member student committee, and advised by Baylor faculty and staff, has raised more than $48,000 with 57 teams and 750 people participating.

Teams are able to register until the event begins, Friday, April 11. Teams consist of eight to 10 people and the registration fee is $50.

This year's theme, "Bear Down: All Paws for a Cure" was chosen to encourage the Baylor community to unite for the fight against cancer.

"'All Paws' refers to our vision for every Baylor Bear to join us on Friday night to celebrate the battles won, remember lives lost, and fight back against cancer," said Martin Hechanova, event chair of the Baylor Relay for Life student committee.

In honor and celebration of cancer survivors, the event will begin with a short ceremony recognizing these individuals. Following the ceremony, survivors will take the first lap.

Relay For Life was founded in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a surgeon in Tacoma, Wash. Glatt ran 83 miles in 24 hours to raise $27,000 for his local American Cancer Society office. Later, Glatt formed a committee to organize a 24-hour relay event that would raise even more money to fight cancer. In 1986, the relay event, known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer, raised more than $33,000.

To register a team, visit the Baylor Student Activities Web site.

For more information about the event please visit this web site or contact Martin Hechanova at Martin_Hechanova@baylor.edu.