Each year across the nation, communities gather to participate in the Relay for Life event created by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The overnight event provides family, friends, and members of the community with an opportunity to celebrate those who have survived cancer, to remember those who have lost their battle to the disease, and to fight back.

Rensselaer will host its fourth annual Relay for Life event April 17-18 on the ’86 Field. The theme for 2009 is focused on “Hollywood.” Participants are encouraged to decorate their team’s campsite like their favorite movie or TV show, dress up as their favorite cast of characters, or even produce their own movie to help with fundraising.

To date, more than 450 Rensselaer students, faculty, staff, their families, and members of the surrounding community — led by members of the Greek life community and student athletes — have registered to participate in the event. So far, their fundraising efforts for this year’s event have raised more than $19,000 (and counting) for cancer research. For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org.