The Colleges Against Cancer is preparing for the 4th annual, Seton Hall Relay for Life coming up on April 16.
Over 200 people have registered thus far, forming 50 teams who are preparing to be a part of this year's Relay for Life. The event will be held in the Richie Regan Recreation and Athletic Center.
The Colleges Against Cancer's main project is the annual Relay for Life, which is a national fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Collegs Against Cancer hope to have more survivors involved in this year's activities, from student survivors as well as survivors from the South Orange community and surrounding area.
Last year over 600 people came to support the fight against cancer and raised $56,000.
According to Brittany Tumminia, a sophomore and the President of the College Against Cancer, the goal for this year is to try and raise $60,000.
Graduate student Michael Varano has participated in Relay for Life since his sophomore year as an undergrad, when the event was first brought to campus.
"I thought that it was a great cause because cancer has had a large affect on my family, my mom being a cancer survivor and having lost several relatives to various forms of cancer," Varano said. "As a member of Alpha Phi Omega, I've participated in many service projects, but Relay is always the most important and dear to me."
Varano is a team captain for one of the Alpha Phi Omega teams.
"Currently our team's goal is $1,500. Because of the amount of people in Alpha Phi Omega we have three teams set up, and one for our current pledges," Varano said. "Last year our organization raised the most money with over $5,000, so as a fraternity as a whole I would love for us to raise even more than that amount this year."
Junior Kerry Magro placed 5th in fundraising the first year he became involved with the event with over $1,000.
"This year I plan on not setting a goal for myself but just trying to raise as much money as I can for the cause," Magro said.
"It's a great cause and I put a lot of effort into my fundraising."
Greek organizations have also brought a lot of people and support to the Relay in past years and Relay organizers hope to have even more support from them this year.
Many activities are planned for this year's event such as 7-up Flip-cup and Root Beer Pong, performances by the Flash dance team, local bands, as well as survivor stories, a DJ, food and on -site fundraising.
Magro said his favorite Relay for Life entertainment activity is the Survivor Lap at the beginning of the event.
"When they do the survivor lap everyone walks together and it is a great way of self reflection of the fact that even though cancer is in the world that there are people who are around who are trying to make a difference and fight cancer," he said.
Varano said his favorite part of the event was the general atmosphere because most students have been affected by cancer in some way.
"The event is a lot of fun to participate in, yet it is also very moving at the same time," Varano said. "It is a great way to show those who are currently battling cancer that they are not alone in their fight, those who have passed away that they are not forgotten, and those who have survived how important they are."
Alexandra Lubischer can be reached at alexandra.lubischer@student.shu.edu.
Stephanie Bower can be reached at stephanie.bower@student.shu.edu.
