"We're optimistic," said publicity committee co-chair Meghan Feely '08. "We've really had some great successes." Feely said that so far, over 560 people have joined the cause, forming over 50 teams.
During the relay, at least one member of each team circles the track at Leverone Field House, where the event is held, and live performances help keep the atmosphere upbeat and energetic, according to event chair Paul DuPuy '07. As the night wears on, music and movies should provide constant entertainment for the participants.
Dartmouth has hosted Relay for Life for the past three years, unifying the campus and community under one roof in an effort to increase cancer awareness and raise money for research.
"We're united in our efforts to help friends and others suffering from disease," Feely said. "People usually have a great time."
DuPuy, who has been involved with Relay for Life since his freshman year, said that community is one of the biggest themes of the event.
"I think it's two-fold," he said. "It's raising money for the American Cancer Society, but also, it's cool to see how everyone is affected by cancer, and everyone has a motivation to fight it. It's about everyone coming together on the night [of the event] and camping out."
Various campus clubs and organizations are expected to show their support for the event by sending out teams of walkers and runners.
Along with the sense of community and fun in a social environment, the event encourages reflection on the reality and seriousness of cancer, DuPuy said. Participants are surrounded by a supportive environment where they can remember loved ones who were affected by the disease as well as celebrate the lives of survivors, he said.
Emily Koepsell '09, who is a survivor of leukemia, spoke at last year's opening ceremony.
"Because I am a cancer survivor, and my dad is a two-time cancer survivor, I feel a strong tie to the ACS," she said.
Koepsell said it is important for Dartmouth students to support events such as Relay for Life because the money raised could end up funding a research breakthrough.
Held in 23 countries around the world with over three million participants in the United States alone, Relay for Life began with one doctor in Tacoma, Wash., Gordy Klatt. In an effort to raise funds for cancer research, Klatt ran without stopping for 24 hours and raised $27,000.
"As for the mission of the organization, Relay for Life embodies the hope that one day, researchers will find a cure," Feely said.
Organizers of the event began planning and organizing the spring Relay in the Fall term. Yearly preparations include forming participant teams, obtaining sponsorship from various corporations and individuals and working with other campus groups to raise money.
Relay for Life is an all-night event scheduled to end at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
