Highest fund-raising event surpasses goal

For the second consecutive year, Relay for Life was the highest fund-raising event on campus, exceeding last year’s total by thousands of dollars. 

Late night rain on Friday didn’t stop more than 780 Towson students and community members from attending the event at the Towson Center. By the time dawn broke and the relay came to a close, organizers collected more than $48,000, almost $10,000 more than a year ago. 

More than 60 teams of Towson students, as well as community members and cancer survivors, attended the 12-hour fund-raiser.

“Cancer is something that affects everyone. It’s just amazing to be part of this great cause. We’re on the path to end cancer and it starts with events like these,” event co-chair Asya Henriquez said.

The proceeds from the relay, as well as donations collected by the teams before the event, benefit the American Cancer Society and research toward ending the disease. 

“It’s about the community coming together all for this great night because we want to end this disease that’s affecting so many people. One community coming together for one fight to end cancer,” event co-chair Lauren Warfield said.

“We came into this wanting it to be bigger and better and we’re growing from last year, and next year we hope to grow as well,” Henriquez said.

Activities and games, as well as performances by local Towson bands The Lake Effect and Fools and Horses, gave students plenty to be involved in throughout the night. 

But the night also had a serious message to convey. At the Luminaria Ceremony, students who purchased a candle could light it in honor of a loved one who died from or survived cancer. Cancer survivors in attendance, who wore purple shirts to distinguish them from student and community supporters, also walked a memorial lap. 

“Everyone was completely silent,” Warfield said. “We all remembered our cancer survivors and that’s why we’re here tonight.”

Teams participating in the event ranged from on-campus student groups such as the Student Government Association and Fraternity and Sorority Life to groups of friends who wanted to show support for a good cause.

“I think it shows that we’re so