Students, friends and family will raise money and fight cancer while walking around the clock at Stevenson University’s fifth annual Relay for Life on Saturday, April 30 through May 1. It will start at 3 p.m. and go until 3 a.m. in the Owings Mills gym.

This year Stevenson’s theme for Relay is “Go For the Cure” Olympics. Relay is a 12-hour party to celebrate those who have beaten cancer, remember those who have lost their battle and to raise money to find a cure. Different clubs from the Stevenson community raise money individually and come together to walk for the cure. Throughout the night, there are many different events that only accept tickets for participation, and these tickets can be bought throughout the night.

Raffles are on display from many different organizations, from the Orioles to the jewelry company Pandora. Participants can make bracelets and necklaces throughout the night by gaining a bead each lap around the track, or take pictures with fun props and enjoy homemade snacks.

“We look forward to this every year,” said Taylor Cunha, a member of the sorority Phi Sigma Sigma. “It’s a chance to hang out with your friends all night while raising money for cancer.” Phi Sigma Sigma is one of the many organizations that raises money and attends.

Relay for Life will kick off as local families and survivors talking about their experiences and life in the present. This is followed by the Luminary Ceremony where survivors, participants and caregivers walk the track, which is surrounded with candlelit luminary bags with names of people who have battled with cancer or people to be remembered.

As part of the fund raising efforts, these bags can be purchased online. In addition, a variety of clubs get friends and family to join in by donating to their Relay group. These groups are accessible online and can be shared with others via email and social media. There will be a point throughout the night where the top three groups that have raised the most money will be recognized.