By: Maddie Day ~Staff Writer~

The 11th annual Relay For Life event united the Xavier community in the fight against cancer, raising a total of $24,888 from 201 student, staff, faculty and alumni participants.
Twenty-six teams worked tirelessly to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Xavier’s donation will go toward cancer research and other services provided for cancer patients and their families.

The event was one of many sponsored by Colleges Against Cancer, an organization that works with the American Cancer Society to encourage colleges and universities to join the fight against cancer.

The event, which took place on April 4, brought the Xavier community together to celebrate the lives of those affected by the diseases, both of those who have won and lost battles with cancer.

The luminary ceremony provided a setting where students who have been affected by cancer could support and encourage each other.

It honored those who lost lives and provided the Xavier community with a place to work through grief and find hope.

The event also included a “Fight Back Ceremony,” where participants expressed their emotional commitment to battling the disease and saving lives.

This was the 11th year that Relay For Life has taken place on Xavier’s campus.
Despite being held inside the Gallagher Student Center due to rainy weather, organizers thought that the event was still a huge success.

“I was incredibly happy with the event,” John Burgei, president of Colleges Against Cancer, said. Burgei also applauded members of the College Against Cancer committee who “kept the spirit and energy alive” for the duration of the event.

Relay For Life helps make the mission of the American Cancer Society possible.
It unites Americans in working toward a “world with less cancer and more birthdays.”
For more information on the American Cancer Society, Xavier’s Relay For Life event, or how to get involved visit http://www.relayforlife.org/xu.