What a night! Midwestern University participated in its first Relay for Life event held at the local high school in Downers Grove, Ill.

The Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society event, which brings together the neighboring communities to fight back against cancer and honor those that have survived and those that have passed.

Midwestern University the last few months forming a team of eight members (both students and staff) and raising money towards research efforts to find a cure.

Many of the members spent countless hours baking small goods and treats and selling them at a Bake Sale, which we raised nearly $300 dollars. Our most successful event was a Cancer Bracelet Sale, which each member hand made out of different color glass beads. The colors representing the various cancers: pink-breast cancer, teal-uterine/ovarian cancer, white/clear- lung cancer, and so on. WE sold $1200 worth of bracelets. That fundraiser far exceeded our expectations.

On the night of the event, we set-up camp and provided more information and literature about Midwestern University at our booth. At opening ceremony, the keynote speaker addressed the crowd of more than 500 people on the achievements of the teams that were participating. She encouraged the crowd to continue to fight back against cancer and continue to reach the goal of finding a cure.

Several members of out team participated in the caregivers lap, a time when recognition is given to those individuals that have dedicated their time to care for family members and friends with cancer.