Relay for Life to kickoff at Richmond on Wednesday

Relay for Life events at the university honor those who had cancer and celebrate those who survived, said junior co-chairwoman Krystal Mirkovich.

The Relay for Life kickoff event took place at 9 p.m. at the Tyler Hanes Commons on Feb. 20.

The kickoff's purpose is to get students excited for the relay, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness on March 29, said junior co-chairwoman Katy Alexander.

The improv group, Subject To Change, will be performing at the kickoff event, Alexander said. "We hope this will motivate more students to come out, sign up and have a great time," she said.

Richmond raised $32,500 last year, and the members hope to raise $35,000 this year, Mirkovich said. "It's really disappointing - the lack of students who sign up," she said. "It's a great cause, and cancer has affected everyone in some way."

About 400 people registered for the event last year, and the goal is to have at least one person from each team walking around the track at all times during the 12-hour relay, Mirkovich said.

"There are activities and prizes rewarded to best costume and most money raised," Alexander said.

There will also be games to play and donated food and drinks during the event, Mirkovich said.

Alexander said his favorite part of the relay is the luminary ceremony. "The luminary ceremony touches everyone, and each person lights a candle for whoever they are honoring. We line up the candles in the word hope."

As a chairwoman, Mirkovich said she enjoyed the final hour. "There are so few people, but it's all the people who really care, and I love how everyone gets delirious and hangs out together."

Talking with people throughout the event and hearing survivors' stories is moving, Mirkovich said. "I like to know that everyone there is there for a reason and everyone's fighting for the same cause."

The proceeds from Relay for Life go to the American Cancer Society and are used for research, transportation and to support families and patients.

Contact reporter Katie Davidson at katie.davidson@richmond.edu