Relay for Life brings students together to honor those struck by cancer

Approximately 2,000 people gathered in the Carrier Dome on Saturday night with a story to share on how cancer has affected their friends and family.

The annual Relay for Life event took place from 7 p.m. on Saturday and ran through the night until Sunday morning. The event is a culmination of fundraising efforts that have been taking place since the end of last year’s Relay.

Photo: Zixi Wu

A stylist from StudioFX gives Kendall Copp, young sister of junior Alyssa Copp, a hair cut during Relay For Life. The hair was donated to make wigs for cancer patients.

Though funds are still being collected, this year’s Relay has currently raised $175,000.

In addition to raising money, the event honors those who have battled against cancer through its Luminary Ceremony. 

White bags with glow sticks spelled out “Cure” and “Hope” in the upper stands while personal luminaries lined the turf. The ceremony began by remembering those loved ones lost to the disease. As the names were read off, music was played in the background. A female a capella group, The Mandarins, sang a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

The end of the ceremony focused on honoring those who are still fighting and remembering there is still hope for a cure.

The rest of the evening was filled with upbeat activities, including a Zumba session, Locks of Love donations and various musical performances.

Here's a look at people's thoughts, feelings and pictures captured during the event: