The Colleges Against Cancer Association chapter at Sacramento State and the American Cancer Society of Sacramento are hosting the second annual Relay for Life event in order to raise money for cancer awareness and research to find a cure.

In 1986, the first Relay for Life event served as a beacon of hope for those with cancer. The 24-hour Relay for Life event at Sac State will begin Saturday with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the football practice track and field. At least 228 participants signed up so far.

The event will feature teams who will take turns walking around the track. There will be a “survivor lap” and “luminaria” ceremonies to honor those who have survived and those who have passed on.

Sac State 3rd Semester Nursing Team has the top donation spot with $1,370 raised so far. Together, the 38 Sac State teams have raised $7,895 with the amount rising each week. Other teams include The Newman Catholic Community Team, Kappa Sigma Fraternity Team and the Sac State Public Health Club Team

Volunteers from other universities host their own Relay for Life events as well. UC Davis raised a total of $77,141 for Relay for Life on April 14. Davis had 1,452 participants and 176 teams.

The first Relay for Life event in 2011 at Sac State raised a grand total of $6,845 with Kappa Sigma raising the most money.

Last year, Sac State did not recognize the Colleges Against Cancer Association as an actual organization on campus. This year Director of News Services Kimberly Nava said the club is recognized.

The American Cancer Society is working with Colleges Against Cancer at Sac State and requested the use of the track and field due to the overnight activities policy on campus. Nava said student organizations are not allowed to book overnight events on campus based on the Sac State University Policy Manual.

“The American Cancer Society of Sacramento—not the student organization—requested usage of the stadium. They assured the University that during the 24-hour duration of the event, participants will be relaying in the stadium and not camping or lodging,” Nava said. “Given the cause and the assurance from the organizers, they were permitted the use of the stadium for the event.”

Event co-chair Cassie Phares said she got involved with Relay for Life last year. Cancer has affected some of her friends and family—which sparked her interest in getting involved with the Relay for Life.

“Santa Clarita, where I grew up, has one of the largest Relays in California so I was around it. My mother is a survivor, but cancer affected me the most when my Grandfather was diagnosed in 2010,” Phares said. “Mainly I am involved because I love giving back to the community and fighting back against cancer.”

Since the event location was held off campus at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center last year, Phares said she is excited about having the event on campus.

“This year our fundraising goal is $15,000 and I hope the Sac State community comes together to support one cause. The most important aspect of Relay For Life to me is that it creates unity and inclusivity on campus,” Phares said. “This is an event where students, their families, faculty, staff, administration, alumni and the surrounding community can come together for a cause that benefits all of us.”

Jessika Robertson can be reached at [email protected].