WESTFIELD—The Relay for Life is coming back to Westfield State University and organizers are hopeful that they can raise even more money for cancer research.
The Relay for Life will be happening overnight April 6 to 7 at Westfield State University’s Woodward Center. Organizers are hopeful that the event will raise more for cancer research this year versus last and offers such as reduced registration fees next week can be enticing to potential participants.
The Relay for Life is an annual event held by the American Cancer Society that incorporates the community into fundraising. The event is usually held overnight, and features walking around a track by at least one team member—encouraged but not mandatory—for the entirety of the event.
“The over night symbolizes a cancer patient’s journey,” Andrew Paterno, American Cancer Society member, said.
According to Julia Long, Westfield State University senior and co-chair for the event, the theme for this year’s Relay is a carnival, and there will be games, raffles and food available during the event.
Long said that it is not just a Westfield State University event though, but rather a community-wide one.
“We’re trying to get the community involved, not just Westfield State,” she said.
“Everyone is invited,” she added.
According to Long, a total of 45 teams and 400 participants took part in the event last year, with $45,000 raised.
However, they are hoping to raise even more this year.
“We’re hoping to get our fundraising total to $50,000,” Long said.
Participants who are looking to get an early start on fundraising also have an additional benefit if they sign up for the Relay next week.
According to Paterno, there is a “registration blitz” occurring where those who sign up next week get $10 off of registration, meaning it is just $5 to join. In order to take advantage of this, the promotion code “RelayWSU” must be used.
Also, the American Cancer Society is holding “Daffodil Days” in March, which allows for the delivery of daffodils either to local hospitals or to yourself as a thank you.
For $10, you can receive one bunch of daffodils, for $15 you can receive potted mini-daffodils, or for $25, you can support the delivery of daffodils to local hospitals.
For more information, you can visit the Westfield State University’s Relay for Life website at RelayForLife.org/WSUMA, or you can email Paterno at [email protected]. You can also find information at the American Cancer Society’s website at cancer.org, and a 24-hour helpline is also available at 1-800-227-2345.
