Relay for Life kicks off at Rice

Relay for Life kicks off at Rice
Faculty, staff invited to attend

BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News Staff

Though Relay for Life Houston isn’t until April, Rice will kick things off at noon Feb. 13 in the Meyer Conference Room of the Rice Memorial Center.

The hour-long event, which includes a free lunch, is for Rice faculty and staff members who would like to learn more about or get involved in Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society (ACS). Faculty and staff members will be able to sign up on a team or receive information about forming their own.

Emily Page, director of the Wellness Center and Relay for Life co-chair, will speak about her experience as a cancer survivor and her work with the ACS. Colleges Against Cancer, a student organization advised by the Wellness Center, is the driving force behind Rice’s part in the relay.  

Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event for the ACS, whose mission is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy and services.

The relay is a nightlong community gathering designed to bringing together those who have been touched by cancer, celebrating survivors and remembering those who have died. The event is held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps.

Relay participants form teams to raise money and awareness to support the ACS. The night of the event, teams gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps. The night is filled with entertainment, food and a luminaria ceremony.

Relay for Life Houston-Texas Medical Center will be held at Rice’s Track and Soccer Stadium from 7 p.m. April 18 to 7 a.m. April 19.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions about the event, contact Christa Leimbach at 713-348-6044 or leimbach@rice.edu.

For more information about Relay for Life or to sign up, visit www.events.cancer.org/rflhoustonmedicalcentertx.