New rules have been implemented for this year's Relay For Life in anticipation of over 1,500 people volunteering.
Due to the growth of the event over the years, the cost of registration has been increased to $20, according to Kimberly Palinski, UB chair of Relay For Life.
Students that do not pay the $20 fee by the time the event begins will not be allowed to participate because of the expectation for a large turnout, Palinski said.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's nationwide signature event.
The fourth annual Relay For Life will be held at Alumni Arena on Saturday starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m. with a closing ceremony.
The events are held overnight for 14 hours representing the fact that cancer never sleeps, according to Palinski.
Cancer survivors and their supporters have raised over $37,000 at UB this year. The committee's goal is to raise $64,500 by the end of the night with over 150 teams, according to Palinski.
"You are helping [to] deliver the hope that future generations will not have to endure cancer threatening the lives of their friends and family. Like me, you have the power to fight back against a disease that affects millions," said Belle Sahlu, an aerospace engineering major who plans on participating this year.
After the opening ceremony at 7 p.m., cancer survivors will take a special lap. Then, each team will take turns walking or running laps. For the rest of the night, a person from each team will strive to keep a person on the track at all times.
There will also be themed laps for which participants should bring props. Some themes include cowboys, an '80s motif, surfers and UB pride.
The Luminaria Ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. when the lights go dim and participants hold glowing bags in honor of those affected by cancer.
Donations can still be made to Relay For Life on the Relay Web site until August 1.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
