For twelve hours University of Wisconsin students walked, ran and skipped around a track in effort to raise awareness and fundraise for cancer Friday.

UW’s chapter of Colleges Against Cancer hosted the Relay For Life fundraiser at Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center, or the Shell, raising about $157,000 in total. The event, which is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, saw around 1,400 participants in 128 teams, CAC co-president Caitlin DeVos said. 

CAC reached this year’s goal to raise $160,000 and bring together 1,300 participants, DeVos said. The money goes to the American Cancer Society to fund research projects and provide patient services to those fighting cancer.

Jamie Rothberg, CAC co-president, said the main purpose of the event is to raise money to fight back against cancer. 

“Laps are walked, [run] and skipped by survivors, friends, family or anyone who wants to help,” Rothberg said. “It is a fundraising walk open to anyone.” 

The event consists of three ceremonies meant to reflect the mission of “Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.”  

This year, 32 registered UW students who were personally cancer survivors participated in the event, DeVos said, adding Relay For Life allows them to come together on campus and celebrate.

DeVos said Relay For Life conveys a very important message to the community by showing the Badgers are committed to the fight against cancer. 

By bringing people together, it too serves as a reminder of the support behind the cause, Rothberg said. 

“Coming together as a group is much more efficient and heart-warming than fighting a terrible disease on your own,” Rothberg said. “No one should be surviving cancer by themselves. People need comfort, love and support.” 

Rothberg said the event has thrived over the years because it builds hope and positive community support, rallying passionate people around an important cause. 

Relay For Life has grown since its introduction to UW’s campus in 2001. This year’s event was the biggest yet, DeVos said, as they have increased campus awareness and involvement. She said she hopes the event continues to see growth every year.

Rothberg said in addition to Relay For Life, UW does many other things to raise awareness about cancer, including holding blood drives and small charity donations around campus.