Cancer never sleeps and neither did participants of Cal Poly’s fifth annual Relay for Life on Saturday.
This year, teams raised about $74,825 for cancer research. The Polo team raised the most funds, while business senior and PolyRep Kim Claytor managed to raise more than $2,700 herself – the top amount of the year.
“I’ve done Relay because of my boyfriend, for about five years,” she said. “That’s why I was able to raise so much; he has a lot of people who love him. Everyone was just really supportive, and I was fortunate to raise a lot of money for a good cause.”
According to the American Cancer Society, which sponsors the event nationwide, less than 20 percent of cancer patients survived five years after treatment 60 years ago. Today, the five-year survival rate is 63 percent for all cancers. Also, from 1988 to 2004, cancer incidence rates in California declined by 6 percent, and cancer mortality rates by 17 percent.
Relay for Life is a 24-hour event about celebration, remembrance and hope, and brings together more than 3.5 million people nationwide to raise money for the fight against cancer. The event includes participants whose lives have been touched by cancer, whose family members or friends have been diagnosed with cancer or who have survived or lost their fight against it.
Teams started arriving as early as 7 a.m. Saturday to set up their campsites on Dexter Lawn. The event began around 10 a.m. with opening speeches from committee members and cancer survivors, and was kicked off with the first lap, which was the Survivor’s Lap.
Around 71 teams participated in Relay for Life, including greek life groups, various interest clubs, and other teams of friends. Some held team fundraisers over the past few weeks while other teams featured sales and games, including raffles and root beer pong, at their campsites at Dexter Lawn to raise additional money.
A number of games, activities and attractions were provided at Relay for Life to keep people motivated to stay and have fun. Themed laps like “Luau Time” and “Tights & Brights” encouraged people to dress up for spirit points while they walked around the lawn. During the “Mustang Spirit” lap, the marching band walked a lap and went on stage while playing a few songs.
Additionally, a water balloon toss/fight, watermelon-eating contest and other games kept people cool in the blaring heat. Take It SLO, PCE Salsa and The Arch Dukes provided entertainment for walkers and audience members alike.
The Luminaria ceremony, for which glow sticks are placed in decorated bags in honor or in memory of those with cancer, included inspirational speeches and a slideshow of those who lost, won, or are continuing their fight against cancer.
The night cooled off with karaoke, a “Guitar Hero” challenge, a showing of the film “Juno” and a few songs in “Dance Dance Revolution” until 4 a.m. Many remained overnight until the closing ceremonies and the final lap around 10 a.m. Sunday.