It’s past midnight and the stadium lights blaze over hundreds of students and faculty. Noisy chattering fills the field, perfectly complemented by the sounds of live music and supportive cheering. As a heartwarming tribute to those affected by cancer, Relay for Life raises money and creates a special night to come together and show support.

On Apr. 14, Vandegrift will be hosting their annual Relay for Life event at the Monroe Stadium. From 6 p.m.-2 a.m., teams gather to raise money through registration, game playing, booths and donations. Aside from a ceremony to honor individuals affected by cancer, a physical and mental health lap posted by freshman SADD will take place. Food will be provided and various student-led performances will occur. In order to support those affected by cancer, donate money and find more information about the event, sign up at American Cancer Society.

“I want to make an impact,” Andrew Liguez said. “I’m very much a volunteer focused person and want to do anything I can to help raise money, awareness and support for those affected in any way by cancer.”

Seven committees will focus on different areas including, logistics, entertainment, luminaria, public relations, sponsorship, team development and survivorship. As he approaches his third year running Relay for Life, Liguez works to manage facilities, guest speakers, different projects and run  background work.

“I’m excited for it to finally unfold,” Liguez said. “Sometimes there’s this anxiety in the back of your mind because you don’t know how it’s going to go. Once I see everything on the event day and see how much fun everyone is having, that is my favorite part.”

In February, two days a week, committee members have gathered to prepare for the event. urvivorship co-chair Sneha Pulickal highlights her committee’s specific responsibilities and actions they take.

“We have meetings every week, but honestly I talk with my committee every single day,” Pulickal said. “There is a lot that goes on throughout the event planning process that is behind the scenes, but we do our best knowing that the outcome will be worth it.”

To symbolize the never-ending fight against cancer, at least one participant from each team must be walking on the track at all times.

“I am walking for my dad’s cousin and close family friend’s father, both who recently passed away,” Pulickal said. “Overall, I would like to bring awareness to stop cancer and support those affected.”

During Relay for Life, there will be specialized laps for cancer survivors as well as personalized laps.

“Every year is different because there are new people, which means it is being planned differently,” Pulickal said. “It’s amazing because there are always new ideas and that allows for each event to be unique and special.

To highlight the experiences of cancer patients and survivors alike, there will be a Luminaria ceremony where guest speakers share their story and spread awareness.  Luminaria  bags act as a physical offering of dedication to a loved one lost, someone currently battling cancer, or anyone who has overcome it. There will be a station to create your own at Relay for Life and bags are available for purchase online at the link above and at the event itself.

“I am most excited to see the impact that we have on other lives,” Pulickal said. “I love to see all the different students and organizations coming together as a community under one cause.”