Shepherd University hosted their annual Relay for Life Friday evening as walkers gathered to raise funds, raise awareness, remember loved ones and celebrate life. The theme of the evening was “Blowing Out Cancer’s Candle,” playing on the theme of celebrating birthdays as survivors.

Organizer Rachel Crum said, “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome of the event, the weather was perfect, we celebrated survivors all night long and had fun, too.”

While the goal of the event was $60,000, Crum said the monies so far tally approximately $41,000. But teams are not finished yet for this year. Donations are still being accepted at www.shepherd.edu/relayfor life and checks payable to the American Cancer Society can be sent to the Office of Student Engagement at Shepherd University.

“We are still going to work toward reaching that $60,000 goal over the next few weeks,” Crum said.

The event stepped off with a 4 p.m. parade through the town commencing at the corner of German and King streets. The annual Torch Run was a focal point of the parade. A survivor’s lap was also a special portion of the evening’s event.

This Relay marked the 13th for the University. The event drew in 43 student teams, including campus clubs and organizations, members of local churches, schools and other community groups, Crum shared. The event focuses on the community and allows those who have been touched by cancer to work toward the common goal of a cure.