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Relay for Life participants to walk through the night

By Anna Stevens '10
April 21, 2008

St. Olaf and Carleton College students will join other members of the Northfield community April 25 to walk the track of Manitou Field to honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives lost to the disease and raise money to help fund cancer research.

RelayForLife
The fifth annual Northfield Relay for Life will feature movie-themed teams and will be an overnight event. The relay will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, with participants walking until 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 26.

Event co-chair and St. Olaf student Laura Hiller '08, who is also the president of the St. Olaf Cancer Connection (SCC), is excited about the relay becoming an overnight event this year rather than the one-day event it has been in the past. "This means more entertainment, more food, more community time and more focus on the fact that a cancer patient's battle with cancer is all day, every day," Hiller says.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. More than 4,800 Relay for Life events will take place nationwide this year. Each relay shares two defining events: the cancer survivor lap and the Luminaria Ceremony of Hope.

The Luminaria Ceremony is held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions. Luminaries can be purchased through participants for $10 each.

"Though many people become part of Relay for Life because they have lost someone to cancer, know someone who is currently battling cancer, or know a cancer survivor, some people take part in the event because they know that in the future cancer will probably affect someone they know," Hiller says.

Last year, Relay for Life at St. Olaf raised $67,000 to put toward cancer research. With a goal of $70,000 this year, St. Olaf is looking to make an even bigger impact. Participants pay a $10 registration fee and each is encouraged to raise $100. All proceeds go to cancer research. Those who wish to make a donation can do so at the event or by contacting SCC at hiller@stolaf.edu.

A Community Event
The Relay for Life event on Manitou track is an opportunity for St. Olaf and Carleton students to join with the community of Northfield. This year, SCC has found a special tie to the Northfield community. Serving as an honorary chair for the event is Northfield High School junior Jim Penning, who is a cancer survivor himself. Penning will speak at the event and join in the opening lap of cancer survivors.

Although registration for teams is closed, Relay for Life is an open event for all who wish to attend. SCC invites everyone to join in the festivities for one hour or even all night.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.