Colleges Against Cancer worked closely with The American Cancer Society to organize the Relay For Life event at Iona that took place from April 7 to April 8.

The event raised $89,040 by the end of the night but donors can still contribute to the Relay fund.

The American Cancer Society hosts Relay For Life events across the country. Relay For Life events are noted as a signature fundraising event and a celebration for those who have beat cancer. Through this event, people also remember family members or friends who have passed away due to cancer.

Senior Nikki Molfetas, who was diagnosed with cancer in her youth, takes a hands-on role in Relay For Life events at Iona.

“Relay for life to me means coming together as a community and finding a cure to cancer,” Molfetas said. “This year’s Relay For Life was actually probably one of the easiest to plan. Last year was a little hectic because I did not have a school advisor and I was new to the whole presidency.”

Relay For Life is one of the events on campus that draws in a great number of people. Members from a variety organizations come together to help spread awareness and fundraise money in the battle against cancer.

“Relay For Life is one of, if not the greatest event that we have on campus each year. It is really cool to see the entire student body come together in solidarity against cancer,” sophomore Sean King, who also serves on the Executive Board of Colleges Against Cancer, said.

On average, the event lasts for about 12 hours.

“It is a night filled with a lot of fun and emotion.” King said.

Senior Chris Kash has taken part in a number of Relay For Life events through his time at Iona.

“My father is currently battling cancer and the Relay For Life event, is a great way to celebrate his fighting spirit,” Kash said.

A number of students, who have either been affected by cancer or know someone who has been affected by cancer, spoke to members of the Iona community, just before the Luminaria Ceremony.

“It is amazing to see all of the Iona College community come together to support their friends and families during this night,” Kash said.

Hours of planning goes into any Relay for Life event.

“This is my second year being apart of planning Relay For Life and it truly is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had at Iona,” King said.

King wanted to recognize both President and Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer, Nikki Molfetas and Kristy Botti for all of their hard work in preparing this years Relay For Life event.

“Preparing for Relay starts months ahead of the actual event,” Kash said. “Our American Cancer Society representative works closely with the College Against Cancer Executive Board throughout the school year, where we brain storm different themes for the night and assign different responsibilities and roles.”

Looking ahead, Molfetas is hopeful that the events will continue to be successful.

“Relay For Life has come a very long way since I was a freshman here at Iona,” Moleftas said. “However, I will be graduating this year and leaving Relay For Life in good hands with a really great E-Board.”

Kash is also a senior and said he will miss Relay For Life events.

“The support that the Iona College community provides is electrifying and gives so much energy to the night,” Kash said.

Update: After receiving more donations the final calculations for the Relay for Life reached over $90,000. Thanks to the generous donation Dr. Nyre made once the Relay for Life hit the $89,890 mark, the event was able to raise over $90,000.