The American Cancer Society will hold Relay For Life of Stanford this Saturday May 19, bringing Palo Alto and Stanford communities together in a unified effort to fight against cancer.

From survivors and patients to their families and volunteers, numerous groups and individuals who have experienced the effects of cancer will participate in this unique 24-hour-long fundraising event, starting noon on Saturday at Roble Field, 351 Santa Teresa St.

Relay participants will “honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it,” according to the event Web site (http://www.relayforlife.org). The ACS will use the donations to fund cancer research and its own programs that provide inspiration for people who suffer from cancer, according to its Web site (http://www.cancer.org). The people who have shared the same, heart-breaking experiences will have the opportunity to comfort and console one another during this empowering event as well.

Sophomore Sara Connolly will participate in this event for the fourth time, and has organized a Paly team like she did last year. Seeing several of her relatives suffer from cancer, Connolly realized the impact the disease can have and become actively involved with Relay For Life.

“So many people are affected by cancer, and Relay For Life greatly benefits cancer victims and their families,” Connolly said. “The Relay is an effective and enjoyable way to raise money for a great cause.”

Comprising mostly sophomores, the Paly team started with a fundraising goal of $2,000 and a recruitment goal of 20 people. Currently, the team has 31 members and has raised $2,450.

At noon on Saturday, all participants will show up at Roble Field and sign-in or register for the Relay. They will then put up tents before the opening ceremony, in which a cancer survivor will make a speech and all survivors will make a victory lap around the track. After this ceremony, at least one member from each team will be on the track, while dance groups, bands, and a DJ will perform throughout the night. Resting participants can also enjoy movies played on a large screen during the Relay. Furthermore, some local restaurants will provide food for the participants, adding to the festive atmosphere of Relay For Life.

“The event is extremely fun,” Connolly said. “It has a party atmosphere, but with worthwhile benefits.”

Sophomore Jean Kim will participate in the Relay for the second time, and he believes the event is more than just a walk around the track.

“The relay is a symbolism of our walking down the path of trying to fight cancer,” Kim said.

Relay participants will take a moment to remember those who lost the fight against cancer in the Luminaria Ceremony. Each luminaria, a paper bag filled with sand to hold a candle, has the name of someone living with cancer or has died from the disease, along with notes from family members of the person. These bags are lined up around the track and are lit after dark, and the participants observe them while walking around the track, hoping to end the constant battle against cancer.

“It’s a really touching experience,” Connolly said.

Relay for life also serves the purpose of raising awareness for cancer.

“It is an educational and gratifying experience,” Connolly said. “During the event, participants learn more about cancer and related research. In addition, it’s a great opportunity for bonding.”

From June to August, over 15 Relay For Life events will take place in cities across the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Lost Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and more.

All potential participants can still fundraise for the event by convincing their families and friends to donate online (http://www.cancer.org), by writing letters asking for cash or checks made out to the ACS, or by going door-to-door requesting funds. On-site fundraising is another possibility.

Relay participants can earn community service hours for the time they are present at the field. Minors must turn in a parent waiver in order to participate in the overnight event.

For more information, contact Connolly at [email protected] or visit some of the external links provided on the right bar of this page.