The leading cause of death of Americans under the age of 85 is cancer. That is according to the American Cancer Society, which states an estimated 1.4 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States alone.

One student lost his mother to cancer when he was 13 years old; another student’s aunt was recently diagnosed at the age of 36 and she continues to fight it; while another student’s father was just diagnosed earlier this year. That is why the University is hosting the annual Relay For Life for the fourth year in a row, according to Chasta Hamilton, a senior in arts application and political science, and event co-chair. The relay will kick off tonight at 7 p.m. behind the Talley Student Center. This year’s theme is “Make Cancer History.”

Hamilton said she is familiar with the power of cancer; she lost her mother to breast cancer when she was 9 years old, and her grandfather, to lung cancer, when she was 15 years old. Four years ago, as a freshman, she co-founded the first event and has been the event chair every year since then.

“When you see people you love suffer, you immediately want to find some way to stop the suffering,” Hamilton said. The kickoff will feature free food, free relay memorabilia, speakers and general information. According to Hamilton, the kickoff is intended to get students involved.

Hamilton said the relay has three goals – to raise awareness, to show support and to raise money, which will go directly to cancer research with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. The fundraising season, which begins today, will culminate in an overnight relay on March 23, which will take place at the CASL soccer fields at the intersection of Hunt Drive and Western Boulevard.

“It’s an incredible reward to see students excited and inspired about such a wonderful cause,” Hamilton said. Rushil Patel, a freshman in biochemistry, said cancer is something that is important to all people.

“This is something which transcends age, race and nationality,” Patel said. “Cancer is [partially] genetic, so it can strike whether you’re rich or poor.” Patel is a member of the publicity committee for the event. He said that by volunteering and being involved in Relay For Life, it is easy to see what people can accomplish when they come together for a good cause.

Courtney Etchison, a sophomore in business management, is also a member of the publicity committee. She said Relay For Life is important to her because she knows several family members and friends who have been affected by cancer. She said not only is it a good cause, it is also fun.

“Everyone needs to help spread the word,” Etchison said. “Help make cancer history.”

Hamilton said, over the past three years, students have raised $150,000 for research, 1,500 thousand luminaries have been lit, each in honor of a cancer victim, and 120 teams have participated.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000, and according to Hamilton this goal is possible.