UW-Madison students to fight cancer at Relay for Life

While University of Wisconsin–Madison students regularly stay up all night studying or hanging out with friends, students have the chance to stay up all night for a cause at Relay for Life on Saturday, April 9.

Relay for Life, organized by the UW–Madison chapter of Colleges Against Cancer, is a 12-hour event where students raise money to fight cancer.

Relay For Life began in 1985 when Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Wash., ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Melanie Johnson, co-chair of UW–Madison’s Colleges Against Cancer, says Relay for Life is a chance for students to participate in something meaningful with a long-term impact.

“The movement to eliminating cancer is worldwide, one that will not be stopped until the cure is found,” Johnson says. “We need the help of our fantastic students in order to make an impact in the fight against cancer, both in the number of participants and the amount of money raised!”

For Johnson, similar to many UW–Madison students, the connection to Relay for Life is personal. Her aunt lost her battle with cancer in September and several of Johnson’s family members and friends have also been diagnosed with the disease.

UW-Madison’s Relay for Life is usually an emotionally packed 12-hour journey, from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. the following day, held at the Camp Randall Sports Center (known as the Shell), 1430 Monroe St. Each Relay for Life participant is encouraged to set a personal goal to raise $100 for the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life is also an emotional event filled with ceremonies to honor and remember those who have lost the fight to cancer and to commit to continue fighting cancer in the future, Johnson says. This year’s event will also feature a performance by 4-0, a Milwaukee rap artist.

“No matter your position on this campus, cancer has affected you. I am hopeful for the day when cancer will be a memory, filled with tears and joy, and one that no one will have to face again,” Johnson says.

For more information and to sign up for Relay for Life, visit this site.