The American Cancer Society connected community members with the collective goal of defeating cancer at The Relay for Life on Friday, May 8.

With over $37,000 raised among the 300 registered participants, the successes of this year’s Relay surpassed all expectations according to Chairperson of Relay, senior Annie Balunas.

“People seemed to have a lot of fun. There weren’t as many participants, but there were more dedicated team members,” Balunas said. “People were actually raising more than just the minimum requirement of 100 dollars.”

The Relay for Life Committee advisor Catherine Burchat also expressed her excitement about the fundraiser’s success.

“We raised approximately 20 percent more money this year than we did last year, so we were really thrilled,” Burchat said.

Not only was the event successful in raising money, but also in bringing people together to fight the disease.

“It’s a really good cause to be a part of because almost everyone has been affected by cancer. No matter what, you’re making a difference even if you don’t think you are,” Balunas said.

Shannon Capozzola, an American Cancer Society staff partner, worked closely with the Relay for Life Committee to help organize this year’s Relay. She became involved with Relay for the same reasons as many participants.

“I had just lost a loved one to cancer and I wanted to do something to fight the disease,” Capozzola said. “Relay provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate my aunt’s life, remember her, and fight back so that no other family had to lose someone like mine did.”

The Relay Committee was able to remove the focus from the disease itself and redirect it towards the lives of those who have battled cancer with events like the Survivor Lap.

“Leading the first few laps and holding the banner with other survivors just felt really great,” junior Sophia Jessiman said. “It was an awesome experience to meet other survivors that I didn’t know, learn their stories, and share mine.”

There are many ways to get involved with Relay for Life in the future to further the organization’s advances in fighting cancer.

“You can join the committee to help run the event, you can read about it on the Relay website, you can participate in the event, and you can even just give money to anyone that’s fundraising,” Balunas said.

Burchat has high hopes for next year’s chairs of The Relay Committee.

“I feel really confident with next year’s [chairs], sophomore Julia Gittlen and sophomore Brooke Goguen; I think that we’re definitely moving in the right direction,” Burchat said.

Members of the American Cancer Society are also hopeful that the event continues to progress each year.

“We have a great number of strong Event Leadership Team members that I am confident will work very hard to continue to improve the event, in participation, funds raised, and event experience, for years to come,” Capozzola said.