The message of last night's Relay for Life kickoff was simple: "Cancer doesn't wait, so why should you?"
This year's annual Relay for Life information session occurred last night in Huntsman Hall. The organization, which raises cancer awareness, is managed by Colleges Against Cancer and is endorsed by the American Cancer Society.
Relay for Life started at Penn in April 2004 with only 75 participants, but things have changed since then.
Last year, there were 400 participants, and the event raised $48,000.
And the goal for this spring's event is even grander, according to Relay chairmen Corey Hulse and Anni Chen, both Wharton seniors: The organization wants to have 1,000 participants and would like to raise over $100,000.
The overnight event also honors cancer survivors with a special Survivor Lap and commemorates those who have passed away with a luminaria ceremony in which candles are used to spell out "hope."
Cancer survivor and Engineering sophomore Kevin Rakszawski described his Relay for Life experience as "emotional" and "truly uplifting."
One of five survivors at last year's event, he said that "the Survivor Lap was the best three or four minutes of my life."
Throughout the spring event, teams of eight to 15 people take turns walking around the Franklin Field track. The goal is to have at least one team member on the track at all times to indicate that the fight against cancer never stops.
Entertainment is provided all night and includes local bands, dance groups, a cappella performances and a pie-eating contest. This year, the committee chairs are also considering adding Quizzo, sports events and root-beer pong to the night's schedule.
College sophomore Jessica Gerber participated in Relay for Life last year and was so inspired that, this year, she decided to become a committee member.
"My grandma passed away from cancer, so it's a sensitive subject," Gerber said.
"Relay is a way to help out and promote a good cause while being with friends," she added.
The meeting encouraged teams to sign up before winter break in order to have more time to raise money for the event.
The event will take place from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on March 30 and 31 at Franklin Field.
Additional information about the event is available on the Penn Relay for Life Web site, Acsevents.org/relay/pa/upenn.
