Pace University’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) held its ninth annual Relay for Life charity event to attract support for cancer research and treatment in the Goldstein Fitness Center on Fri., April 21.

Relay for Life is CAC’s annual 12-hour event used to fundraise money, which goes towards cancer research, patient support, prevention education, detection, and treatment. The event serves as a way to build the community as well.

CAC had raised over $43,000, according to Co-Chair Jalyn Robinson, which is most money the organization has made off of its 12-hour fundraising event.

“We were really happy with the retention of the event this year,” Robinson said. “By 4 a.m. most people will have left the event, but over 30 people had stayed till the very end. “The planning spans over the entire spring semester. The event starts in the evening to represent the life of a cancer patient.”

A hundred percent of the funds raised for Relay for Life—which is a nationally-recognized event—go towards cancer research and society as well. CAC doesn’t stop fundraising until August.

The event’s main activity is walking around the Goldstein’s indoor track in order to raise money as well as get a sense of tiredness that a cancer patient would. However, people also engaged in fundraising activities such as Delta Phi Epsilon’s selling of wine glasses, bouncing in the bounce house, an oversized version of Connect Four, and throwing a football around.

“Most Relays, actually, are just walking and we know how difficult it is to stay up until 4 a.m. so we try to include activities that keep people awake,” said Antonietta Dalia, CAC president.

Cancer survivors spoke at the event who all had representatives present at the event one of whom was Assistant Director of Community Standards, Matt Landau. Landau was diagnosed with cancer in his knee and delivered a speech talking about his experience.

He recalled when he found out he had cancer, saying that it was the day before Thanksgiving in 2014. Landau gave an emotional speech where he had some great news.

“I just got to Pace about an hour ago because I just had my last chemo treatment.” said Landau, who was met with applause as he finished his sentence. “I’m tired, but doesn’t mean that I still won’t be walking till the end of this event at 4 am.”

Landau also encouraged the guests to talk to cancer survivors and just ask them how there day was, as this helps to make them feel better.

Pace organizations such as several fraternities and sororities, the Pace Perk Café, SDCA (Student Development and Campus Activities), and the Dance Team showed support. Relay was sponsored by local organizations such as Enterprise Rent a Car and the Pleasantville Lions Club.

The event lasted from 4 am in the afternoon on Friday to 4 pm in the morning Saturday.  This was done to mimic the hourly struggles that a cancer patient goes through daily.

“I think overall, the event has been a complete success,” freshman John Watson said. “I have seen a crazy amount of support from the people who have come out. Even though it’s my first, I can tell it’s not a surprise that so many care about cancer and the people it effects.”