By Lisa Irambona and Brianna Davis
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
Relay for Life by the American Cancer Society hosted its annual event at Towson University in Burdick Hall on April 29 from noon to midnight.
The main purpose of Relay for Life is to raise money for cancer research, cancer survivors and to improve the life of cancer patients and their caretakers.
Disney was the theme for this year’s Relay for Life. As participants entered the event, walls were completely covered with posters used as motivation for those participating in the walk and honoring lost lives.
The 12-hour event began with the opening ceremony. More than 300 people participated in the race in the auxiliary gym.
“Relay is just a time for the community to get together, raise money and awareness for cancer and cancer research. Just be together because we all have been highly affected by this disease,” said Lauryn Jordan, a Towson sophomore and co-event leader.
Prior to Relay for Life, different organizations host bake sales, car washes, and create social media post to raise money and awareness before the big day.
Singing acapella groups, Towson Greek organizations, cultural organizations, and others performed through the relay.
Anthony Davis, a Towson freshman, and Jeremy Washington, a Towson sophomore, were the host as they represented the Lunch Table Blog Show LLC.
TLT mission is to give a voice to the community through media, films and events.
“My mother has breast cancer,” Davis said. “She beat it twice so Relay for Life kind of hits home. I didn’t know what it was until this week so I kind of looked into it to see what the main purpose of it was. It was like really nice really soft spoken.”
During the event, people gathered and marched together as a tribute to survivors and caregivers, who keep this event going every year.
The Luminaria Ceremony is a light tribute to those who had or still have a battle with cancer. It’s meant to give people hope and comfort while thinking of their loved ones.
The closing ceremony started with a motivational speech that encouraged others to come together and “fight for a world free from cancer.”
The 26 teams involved in the event raised $29,770.28. The goal was $30,000.
“I don’t think people realize what this money goes to,” said Casey Hanks, a Towson sophomore and co-event leader. “This money can provide free transportation for cancer patients to get to the treatment that they need.”