DURHAM- On Saturday April 9 the University of New Hampshire (UNH) hosted Relay for Life, a team-based relay event open to the public and created to fund cancer research in the U.S.

Relay for Life was created by the American Cancer Society (ACS) in order to spread awareness and generate funding for cancer research. At this 12-hour-long event, participants raise funds to enter their team into a 5K walk around a track in order to raise funds and honor cancer survivors.

Sara Donatello, a UNH senior and one of the co-presidents of the organization’s branch at UNH said, “People can expect a day full of fun and fundraising! We will have live performances, activities, raffles, and plenty of food!”

Events and performances were held in the Hamel Recreation Center third floor throughout the day starting at noon. Multiple UNH student organizations, such as the UNH Dance team, Improv Anonymous and acapella groups like Alabaster Blue performed throughout the day in the HRC. Zumba class, Barrel Pong, Karaoke and Pie-a-Cop was also held on the HRC third floor.

“All the money fundraised from registration, personal fundraising, food, Pie-A-Cop and raffles will go directly to the American Cancer Society,” said Donatello.

Francesca Barsanti, the ACS Fun Committee Leader and a UNH senior, shared her thoughts about holding the event again after being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is beyond exciting to be back because we have been waiting for this for so long,” said Barsanti. “We were a month away from our event during my sophomore year when COVID hit so we were very upset we had to cancel. I can speak for everyone in the org to say that we cannot wait for Saturday!”

She also described the importance of the ACS creating events like Relay for Life on college campuses across the U.S.

“Relay For Life is important because it raises awareness for cancer, raises money for ACS, and gives people an opportunity to honor people they may know with cancer,” said Barsanti. “Throughout the event there are ceremonies to honor those who are fighting it, survived it, and lost their battle to it. It brings people with similar experiences together.”

Photo courtesy of @UNHRELAY via Instagram.