This Friday, Nov. 8, St. Lawrence University is hosting its fifth Relay for Life in the Newell Field House. The event will start at 4 p.m. and will last for 12 hours. 

According to Ashlee Downing, the event has already reached almost $8,000 on Wednesday. She suggested that it is reaching for the donation amount of $20,000, which is the highest ever to be set. Also, Downing suggested that the money that SLU campus raise could play a significant role in reducing the “hidden cost” that comes with the disease itself. 

Relay for Life Committee, by bringing this event to campus, wants to raise awareness for cancer patients. 

“Cancer is so widespread that you might find it hard to not know someone who is suffering from the disease itself,” said Relay Committee member Deanna Lebel. 

Downing agreed with what Lebel had to say. “Sometimes it’s for a sad reason that we are connected, and cancer is one of those reasons,” she said. “But this event is also designed to remind us to celebrate the people who have beat cancer and to be a support system to those who are still fighting.”

Furthermore, according to Downing, this year’s Relay for Life is “hitting closer to home” since there are new Relay teams that are dedicating to members of the SLU community. 

For her, she welcomes these teams in excitement and believes that Relay is creating a platform for people to express their concern for the disease and also their support for their loved ones. 

Both Downing and Lebel said that there will be food, fun activities, and prizes during the twelve-hour event as multiple clubs are getting involved. 

Everyone who attends will expect to see Mario Cart competition, a Quidditch game at around 3 a.m. by the Hub, and Rugby lessons by SLU Rugby. 

There will also be a DJ throughout the night and other entertainments.  Downing also stated that this is a “come and go” event. “We ideally want you to stay for the whole night, but we understand if people have other commitments,” said Downing.  

St. Lawrence University’s Relay for Life is different from other campuses’ Relay because it is open to the public and also, it’s hosted in the fall. 

Everyone is encouraged to come to honor the survivors, remember the lost ones, and support the current fighters in the battle of cancer. 

You can register online at a rate of $10 or register at the entrance on the day of the event at $20. 

According to Downing, in the past four Relay for Life, the teams have raised an amount of over $50,000 on campus. “That’s a significant amount!”