by Mark Schaaf
Daily Lobo
Cancer affects people of all ages.
That's why UNM hosted its first Relay for Life, said Relay committee member Maria Lohmann.
"I think a lot of people, especially our age, don't realize that cancer doesn't just affect old people, but our age as well," she said. "We thought it would be a good way to get people involved with the community and make people aware that cancer is everywhere."
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Thirteen Relay for Life teams walked around a makeshift circle on Johnson Field for 12 hours Friday night and Saturday morning. The event drew about 300 people, Lohmann said.
Despite cold temperatures, they walked because the theme was, "Cancer never sleeps, so for one night, neither will we."
The first UNM Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser, made nearly $4,500, said event chairman Louis Jeantete.
"It went well, I think, for the first year," he said. "People had a fun time, because it's for a good cause."
The money raised will help fund cancer education, research, advocacy and services for local cancer patients.
Cancer survivors started the event with a survivor's lap. There were 10 cancer survivors who participated, Lohmann said.
"I think it's one of the greatest parts of the relay," she said. "There are people all around the track cheering them on. The survivors know how much everyone cares about them."
At sundown, candles were lit around the circle to remember those who succumbed to cancer and honor survivors. It ended with a moment of silence.
The event also had games and festivities throughout the night.
The relay concluded with a victory lap for all participants at 6 a.m.
Jeantete's group Cure Seekers, a pre-med organization, raised the most money with $700. Each team member individually raised money, Lohmann said, with a goal of $100 each.
Lohmann said people raised money in a variety of ways, including bake sales or yard sales or soliciting private businesses for funds.
According to the format, teams must keep one member on the track at all times.
Student Stephanie Carrara, a member of the Pre-Dental Society team, said it helped to have a lot of people on her team.
"We were lucky to have a large turnout, so we weren't walking for long periods of time," Carrara said. "There was somebody on (the track) the whole time."
Jeantete said the teams participating were active throughout the night. There was food and coffee provided for the teams. And some people brought their own.
"All the teams that showed up were really, really quality, and they really helped out a lot," he said.
And as the sun rose Saturday morning, the teams were more than a little tired.
"I think delirious would probably be the word I'd use," participant Jen Tobaghan said. "I think everyone's ready for a good few hours of sleep."
