Relay For Life is a national annual event that raises millions of dollars for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated, according to the American Cancer Society Web site.

Washburn has been a part of this nation wide event for four years.

“Washburn continues to [participate in Relay For Life] because of all the great benefits it gives to cancer patients and to their families,” said Josh Shald, junior history major.

Relay For Life is not only beneficial to those living with cancer but this event also benefits those who want to provoke change in the growth of cancer nation wide.

“Relay For Life gives an opportunity for all student organizations to do philanthropy,” said Sara Wallace, senior business finance major and event coordinator.

There is not any set reason why student organizations want to get involved and donate their time to participate in Relay For Life.

“So many people are effected by cancer and have personal reasons why they want to get involved,” said Wallace.

This event is a 12 hours long, beginning at 6 p.m. April 7 and ending at 6 a.m. April 8. Teams from the Washburn community are invited to participate this year. Student organizations, as well as students that are not part of an organization, can join together to form a team.

During the event, teams of people take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Teams usually break up the time of walking in one-hour increments, according to Wallace.

This year the goal for Washburn is to raise $25,000. This money will go to the American Cancer Society. The money that is raised will help fund research, various programs for cancer patients and their families, according to Shald.

In 2005, Relay For Life had been held in more than 20 countries around the world, according to the American Cancer Society Web site. Last year, 30 teams from Washburn participated and WSGA is looking for that many or more this year, according to Shald.