Andrew Ruiz remembers his mother’s battle with cancer.
Alongside 1,500 people who have somehow been touched by cancer, Ruiz helped raise $114,000 to donate to the American Cancer Society during Relay for Life at the O’Connell Center on Friday and Saturday.
The money was raised from donations leading up to the event and donations made during it, Ruiz said.
Participants walked around the indoor track at the O’Connell Center for 18 hours. Sixty-five teams chose themes and hosted activities for relay participants to help raise money. At least one person from each team had to walk at all times.
Ruiz, a telecommunications junior, said the event is a good way to give back to the community.
“Cancer is still going to exist,” Ruiz said. “Why not find a way to help other people?”
Arts and crafts helped draw people to the table sponsored by Phi Sigma Rho, the engineering sorority.
“A lot of the sisters have personal attachments with family members who have cancer,” said Elysse Rodriguez, a member of the sorority.
