University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will host its fourth annual Relay for Life event April 24 to 25 in Kolf Sports Center in order to raise money for cancer research, inspire hope for those fighting cancer and honor survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer.
Teams of 10 to 15 UW Oshkosh students will camp out in Kolf, 785 High Ave., from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, taking turns walking the track so that someone from each team is on the track at all times.
Laurie Bertrand, the community relations spokesperson for Winnebago County Relay for Life, said Relay for Life marathon is meant to signify a cancer patient’s journey.
“It represents getting the news, then the rough hours of treatment. The morning represents going into remission and being cancer-free,” she said. “And the whole time they are surrounded by family and friends.”
Bertrand said students participate in Relay for Life for a variety of reasons.
“I think the number one reason is that they have been touched by cancer in some way, whether it was themselves, a family member, friend, neighbor, teacher or anyone else in their life,” she said.
Such is the case for Ali Matelski, a junior at UW Oshkosh. Both of her grandfathers passed away from cancer, so she wants to honor them.
“I’m participating in Relay for Life because it gives me a chance to give back, to raise money and to support them,” Matelski said.
It will be Matelski’s first time participating in Relay for Life. She already has raised $335 as part of the “UWO Bowling” team.
Last year, more than 500 people participated in UW Oshkosh’s Relay for Life, which raised more than $42,000.
The event’s theme for 2010 is birthdays because “The Official Sponsor of Birthdays” is the American Cancer Society’s slogan.
“Everything will be birthday-themed, with decorations and cake,” Bertrand said. “It will be like a big birthday party for everyone.”
The gym in Kolf will be full of music and entertainment for participants, along with a silent auction, on-site fundraisers, dodge ball and “Picture a Cure” — a photo booth where students can take a picture then write a message about how cancer has impacted their lives. The pictures will be sent to local legislators and to the University to show the importance of raising money for cancer research.
Other notable moments will include the first lap, called the Victory Lap, where survivors walk the track while the rest of the participants cheer for them, and the Luminaria Ceremony, where the gym lights are dimmed and memory bags are illuminated in honor and memory of those who have fought cancer.
To sign up or to find more information about UW Oshkosh’s Relay for Life, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=22893.