The WVU and Morgantown community is invited to join the movement and fight back against cancer while honoring and remembering loved ones during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Mon County/WVU.
The relay is set for 6 p.m.-midnight Friday in the WVU Shell Building, 3450 Monongahela Blvd. in Morgantown.
There will be entertainment and games throughout the night, with all profits benefiting the American Cancer Society. This includes music from a local band, a pilates class, a wing eating contest, a craft table, and a ceremony where those who have battled cancer are honored. President E. Gordon Gee, along with the Mountaineer, will be making an appearance during the event.
Relay For Life is a volunteer-led experience that unites communities across the world to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. The event is free for those under 12 years old and $15 for all other participants.
“We share a passion to save lives, celebrate lives, and work to end cancer as we know it — for everyone,” said Jenna Lenhart, Relay For Life of Mon County/WVU co-event leader. “In 2023, more than 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States and more than 600,000 Americans will die from cancer. Being there for anyone impacted by cancer is year-round work, and we’re excited to host this event in person again in 2023.”
“In 2023, more than 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States and more than 600,000 Americans will die from cancer. Being there for anyone impacted by cancer is year-round work, and we’re excited to host this event in person again in 2023.”
As a student-led organization at WVU, Relay for Life of Mon County/WVU raised more than $23,000 for the American Cancer Society’s mission in 2022; They plan to raise $20,000 this year.
Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.8 billion, allowing the American Cancer Society to invest $3.1 billion in cancer research, contributing to 3.5 million fewer cancer deaths. Dollars raised each year by over 250,000 Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways – providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.
“No matter how cancer has impacted your life and how you want to get involved, you have a team here, ready to welcome you at our event,” said Juliet Hart, Relay For Life of Mon County/WVU event co-lead.
There are several ways to get involved during the final week leading up to this year’s event.
1. Those who have experienced cancer or are currently fighting can attend the event at no charge. Visit www.relayforlife.org/wvuwv, click “Join This Relay,” and use the code CHAMPION at checkout. Individuals can also register by calling 800-227-2345.
2. Anyone can purchase a luminaria for $5. Luminarias honor every life touched by cancer, and can be dedicated to a loved one lost, someone currently battling, or anyone who’s overcome it. To make a donation for a luminaria visit www.relayforlife.org /wvuwv and select the Luminaria link.
3. Donate to the event. If you would like to support the event with a donation, Visit www.relayforlife.org
/wvuwv and select either Donate or Luminaria. Donations and the purchase of luminaria helps fund the American Cancer Society’s mission to help save lives.
To learn more about Relay For Life For Mon County/WVU, visit www.relayforlife.org/wvuwv.
