A celebration of life and an effort to spread cancer awareness took place this Saturday night at Pace University’s Relay for Life kickoff.

The event was held to raise money for Relay for Life, an organization that supports and fundraises for the American Cancer Society.

Christian Ruiz, a Pace University junior, was the driving force behind organizing the event.

Ruiz had a close, personal experience with cancer when his stepfather passed away in February 2012.  In honor of his stepfather’s passing, Ruiz organized a Relay for Life event to pay homage to him and to others who have been affected by cancer.  This year’s event was the second annual Relay for Life event that Ruiz helped organize, along with help from his family, friends, and volunteers.

“This is really about raising awareness about cancer and how to detect it early, and letting people know the best ways they can treat themselves,” Ruiz said.

The event started off with a catered dinner served by Ruiz’s family and friends, followed by a presentation focusing on cancer awareness and how to detect early signs of cancer.  There were also informational materials and pamphlets available focusing on how to detect cancer in its early stages, and what to do if someone you know has been affected by cancer.  The presentation was followed by a night of dancing and socializing, celebrating life and honoring those who have passed.

Approximately 50 Pace University students attended the event, opening both their hearts and their wallets to show their support.

GaryAnn Leslie, Ruiz’s girlfriend, believes that every act of support, no matter how small, can help make a positive change.

“People usually donate around five dollars each, but any amount you give can help,” said Leslie.

Ruiz estimated that the first Relay for Life event he held in 2013 helped raise between two and five thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society, putting his team in second place among the University’s Relay for Life teams.

“We raised a few thousand dollars just from small donations and an event just like this one, so who knows how much we’ll raise this year,” said Ruiz.

Relay for Life funds cancer research along with programs to improve the quality of life of people who are currently going through cancer treatment as well as cancer survivors.

Approximately 4 million people raise both money and awareness every year through Relay for Life programs.