Relay for Life steps off at North Central College

For the ninth year, Naperville’s North Central College will host Relay For Life, an American Cancer Society event that gives people in communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and raise funds to fight the disease.

Members of the community are invited to participate in the event to be held Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, indoors on the college’s Al B. Carius Track at the Res/Rec Center, 440 S. Brainard St. Last year, more than $40,000 was raised with the help of some 50 teams of students, staff, faculty and community members. There is still time to donate, join a team or start one. Visit relayforlife.org and type “North Central College” in the search box.

North Central students involved in Relay For Life have come up with unusual ways of raising money for the cause. Two co-chairs of this year’s relay began selling Headbands for Hope last September and have raised more than $2,500. A team of women soccer players organized a Black Light Dance on campus, charging admission and holding raffles throughout the event. Others baked homemade cupcakes and sold them door-to-door in the residence halls and administrative offices. And a group of students majoring in education hosted a cookout that raised more than $200 despite overcast weather.

“Last year I witnessed the impact of Relay For Life on the community for the first time and encourage as many people as possible to participate, even if it means just stopping by a short while, co-chairwoman Jennifer Nosaka says. “This is something you won’t want to miss. It’s amazing how involved the community and our students, faculty and staff are in showing their support for fighting cancer.”

Team check-in begins at 5 p.m. Friday, April 27, inside the Res/Rec Center with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Closing ceremonies take place at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28.

This year’s fundraiser is themed “Hittin’ Cancer Out of the Park” and will feature a survivor’s dinner, silent auction, music, games and more. Participants also can enjoy basketball, bags, inflatables, a photo booth, a silent auction and Zumba, among other activities. Food will be available for purchase and free food is available for teams.

For details, contact Nosaka at janosaka@noctrl.edu or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/RelayForLifeNCC/.