By Kate Knight

Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser, will be held at UW-Stevens Point inside the Health and Enhancement Center on Friday, April 29 at 6 PM through Saturday, April 30 at 6AM.

The 12-hour walking relay is organized in part by Colleges Against Cancer at UWSP. Co-president of the group Kaylee Bast said Relay for Life aims to raise $15,000 this year. According to the event’s website, 18 teams and 93 participants have already signed up for the relay and have raised $3,360.73 for the American Cancer Society.

“We have a goal of 29 teams participating in this year’s Relay for Life,” Bast said. She explained there are two important reasons to participate in the fundraiser. “The first is showing support of the community. People come and participate for a variety of reasons, and when you see yourself being surrounded by people who support you it builds a sense of community. The second is that all the money raised goes to the American Cancer Society.”

This year’s Relay for Life theme is “superheroes,” which will be incorporated into relay laps and activities throughout the night. Zumba and Yoga will also be available for relay-goers, and participants can partake in a raffle during the relay with items donated from local businesses.

“We strongly rely on our volunteers and their enthusiasm,” Bast said. “We are also very thankful to the local businesses who donate to us. I am looking forward to seeing our campus and community come together for this cause.”

Relay for Life planning meetings are held on Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. in room 106 of the Collins Classroom Center at UWSP. Community members and students are welcome to attend.

“We are very exited to be putting on this event again,” Bast said. “The campus and the community look forward to it every year. We encourage anyone who would like to participate, to go to our website and make a team.”

To learn more about Relay for Life, to sign up or to donate, visit www.relayforlife.org/uwstevenspoint.