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Relay for Life moves indoors to recreation center

April 12, 2007

KALAMAZOO--With forecasts calling for rain, snow and overnight temperatures below freezing, the sixth annual Relay for Life of Western Michigan University is moving from its traditional location at Kanley Track to the warmer, drier confines of the tennis courts in the Student Recreation Center.

One day before the start of the fund-raising event for the American Cancer Society, 60 relay teams have raised $31,532, or just over 50 percent of this year's $63,000 goal. The relay begins at noon Friday, April 13, and continues through noon Saturday, April 14. More than 620 volunteers, mostly WMU students, have joined one the teams in the relay, a 24-hour walk-a-thon.

Top fund-raising teams to date are Colleges Against Cancer, with $4,705 raised, and Bronco Marching Band, with $3,304 in contributions. Nine additional teams have raised more than $1,000 each.

The event is open to the public and draws participants and support from WMU students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as members of the area community.

To register a team, join an existing team or make a contribution, visit Relay for Life of Western Michigan University at www.acsevents.org/relay/mi/wmu.

This year's theme is "Rockin' Toward a Cure." The event is expected to include live benefit performances by area bands, as well as recorded music and other entertainment.

Cancer survivors are invited to participate in the Survivor Ceremony Friday evening, April 13, at Kanley Track. For more information or to sign up for the ceremony, write to the WMU student chapter of Colleges Against Cancer at cac_wmu@yahoo.com.

Contributions to the American Cancer Society can be made online through the Relay for Life of WMU or checks payable to American Cancer Society may be mailed to Relay for Life of WMU, American Cancer Society, 5110 S. Sprinkle Rd., Portage MI 49002-2050.

For more information, write to WMU Colleges Against Cancer at cac_wmu@yahoo.com.

Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

WMU News
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