By Selena Stevens

"The fight against cancer is a continuous one for patients and doctors... This event will allow students and the entire UK community to get involved in the battle against cancer."

-- Winona Palmer,
UK Student Government

March 27, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- University of Kentucky students are organizing the Wildcat West Relay for Life to be held from 5 p.m. April 12 to 5 p.m. April 13 at the William T. Young Library.

The event is part of a national college campaign by the American Cancer Society to raise awareness of and money for cancer research. UK's relay will be the first in a series across Kentucky college campuses. UK First Lady Patsy Todd is the UK event's honorary chairperson and plans to be actively involved.

All proceeds from the UK event will benefit the American Cancer Society.

"The fight against cancer is a continuous one for patients and doctors," said Winona Palmer of UK's Student Government, which is spearheading the effort. "Many college students don't get the chance to participate in relays held in their hometowns during the semesters. This event will allow students and the entire UK community to get involved in the battle against cancer."

Cancer survivors, their families and friends, and those remembering loved ones lost to cancer will begin the relay on April 12 with a survivor's lap. A luminary ceremony will follow at dark, and the names of survivors and loved ones on the luminaries will be read.

The relay will be held rain or shine at the Young Library, with participants circling the building. Booths and activities, including live music, food and games, will be available.

Teams of eight to 15 people are invited to sign up for the relay, and the registration fee is $10 per person. Participants - those in the relay, booths and activities - are encouraged to dress and decorate according to the Wildcat West theme.

To register or for more information, contact Winona Palmer, UK Student Government at (859) 257-3191.