Troy University will hold its third annual Relay for Life on Friday, March 20 at Tailgate Terrace, adjacent to the Movie Gallery Stadium.

Caitlin Coffey, a co-chair for the relay, said that Troy University wanted to contribute in the fight against cancer.

“Auburn and Alabama have been holding a relay for quite some time, and we just wanted to join with the other universities in Alabama,” Coffey said. “Cancer affects our community and the entire nation, and the Relay for Life is a wonderful way to help in the fight for the cure.”

Coffey said that the Relay for Life is one of the best ways for the American Cancer Society to receive support.

“The American Cancer Society considers the Relay for Life to be their flagship. All the money earned from the relay goes directly to the American Cancer Society,” Coffey said. “Our goal is to receive $15,000 in donations this year.”

The Troy University Relay for Life currently has 17 teams prepared to walk, and Coffey said that each team is asked to try and earn $1000 to donate.

“We have 16 teams and we have asked each to raise $1000, and hopefully we will achieve our goal. We have teams from Greek organizations, Circle K, and the nursing association this year,” Coffey said. “We even have a team that is made up of faculty and staff, but for the most part, the relay is entirely made up of students.”

Coffey said that students do not have to be a part of a team to participate in the relay.

“If students just want to come out, they can just join in the walking at any time. We will also be taking donations during the relay.”

Coffey said that participants have different motivations for walking in the relay.

“My grandmother died of cancer, and I’ve had a friend who has survived lung cancer,” Coffey said. “People often walk in support of those who are currently fighting cancer, and in memory of those who have lost the battle.”

Registration for the relay starts at 3:00 p.m. and the relay will not end until 3:00 a.m. At 10:00 p.m. there will be a luminary service to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer.

“We have some small bands that are going to come out and provide entertainment, and several of the teams will be selling refreshments,” Coffey said. “We want people to bring their lawn chairs and grills and just have a good time.”

The opening ceremony for the relay starts at 5:00 p.m. with the National Anthem and then the survivors of cancer will take the first lap. For more information about joining the Troy University Relay for Life, please go to www.relayforlife.org/troy