The American Cancer Society Relay for Life took place this weekend for the first time on Sacramento State’s campus to raise money for cancer awareness and research for a cure.

Sac State nursing faculty Ann Stoltz, a breast cancer survivor, was awarded along with her team for being among the top contributors for raising a combined total of $5,357.

When Stoltz was diagnosed with cancer she feared for her family.

“My concern when I found out I had cancer was for my three daughters, because we did not have any breast cancer in the family. Now that we had it, I knew they were more vulnerable, that was hard for me,” Stoltz said. “I encountered a lot of barriers to find good care. If I had not been a nurse and really knowledgeable I do not think I (would) had gotten the care I got, but I had to fight for it.”

Stoltz said to be proactive with care, learn everything possible and know about current research. People also need to make sure the doctor is qualified to treat the cancer.

Kappa Sigma was awarded for being second in raising contributions with $2,255. They entertained participants through water pong games.

A total of 295 participants and 41 teams camped out for more than 24 hours while teams of eight to 15 members took turns walking around the track at Sac State’s practice football field.

Other teams present were Surviving for Cheryle, Sigma Pi, Walking for Papa, Gone Fishing for Grandpa, Public Health Club and more.

After the opening ceremony, the “survivors walk” took place before the teams started their laps. During the walk; caregivers, participants, family and friends cheered and applauded as the cancer survivors walked around the track.

Throughout the day games were available for everyone like “Minute to Win It” and the “Frozen T-shirt contest.” Won by sophomore international relations major Wesley MacDonald, junior nutrition major Charles Goeken and freshman computer science major David Edwards, the three unfolded the frozen T-shirt and put it on in less than a minute.

Senior business administration major Mark Hypolite volunteered as team captain coordinator. He worked for more than 30 hours to make sure all the teams knew where to be and what to do.

“I like to see communities working together to raise money for a good cause,” Hypolite said. “My goal is for this event to be part of the campus culture for the years to come.”

The American Cancer Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those with cancer through patient services, early detection and improved research.

Event co-chair Cassie Phares said the starting goal was $15,000 and was increased to $20,000 after exceeding the expectations. A grand total of $18,597.29 was raised.

“Throughout the years we learned how much the American Cancer Society has done, what kind of medical test they started and research they found. It’s amazing how much the surviving rate went up over the years,” Phares said. “I hope that people get involved, it’s a great event to include faculty, staff and students to get together to see it grow every year.”

The luminaria ceremony by alumna Fallan Groth started at 9 p.m. and lit up the night. More than 100 luminaries, decorated bags with glowing sticks were lined around the track during the evening ceremony and throughout the night.

The bags were made by participants who pre-ordered them online and had them made by the luminaria chair committee or decorated at the event. Each bag bears the name of a person to honor who battled cancer.

Relay for Life ended with the “fight back ceremony” and final lap. Alumnus Dave Wesley, who survived prostate cancer 18 years ago, was one of the speakers of the “fight back ceremony.”

“There is survivorship and mortality from cancer, there is too much cancer in this world. The odds are one out of two persons will have cancer at some point in their lives. Take care of yourself, you can do that by using sunscreen, staying away from tobacco, eat fruits and vegetables. Exercise, that what’s great about Relay, Relay is all about exercise,” Wesley said. “Sac State’s Hornets rock, you are my heroes do not stop here keep doing the healthy thing and let’s fight back.”

Mari Del Angel can be reached at [email protected].