More than 900 members of the Longwood and Farmville communities joined together on April 15 to raise over $65,000 for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. This year's total tops the 2010 total by approximately $15,000.

Themed “Re-Lei for Life: Say Aloha to a Cure,” the 12-hour event involved 54 teams and featured a variety of entertainment, games, and fundraising. The evening was kicked-off with a Survivors' Reception, Survivors' Lap, Care Givers' Lap and the lighting of luminaria in honor or memory of loved ones. Longwood's Dr. Jim Jordan, professor of anthropology and a cancer survivor, presented the keynote welcome and Longwood President Patrick Finnegan encouraged the participants with words of hope during the opening ceremony.

“The 2011 Relay For Life at Longwood University carried on a successful tradition of a caring and generous community,” said Dr. Maureen Walls-McKay, associate director of Longwood's Counseling Center and advisor to the student committee that organizes the Relay for Life. “More than 940 individuals registered to participate as part of the 12-hour Relay. This signature event at Longwood University communicates citizen leadership by bringing together students, faculty, staff, community partners, survivors, families, and alumni. It is through successful partnerships that Relay provides education about cancer prevention, celebrates survivorship, honors loved ones who have lost the battle, and raises money for the American Cancer Society.”

Stephanie Urban, community manager for the South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society, said, “I am so impressed with the leadership at Longwood and with everyone who helped to make this such a wonderful event. I've enjoyed working with Longwood and watching the committee, teams and event as a whole grow.”

Donations to Longwood's Relay for Life will continue to be accepted during the next few months. Those interested in donating can do so at www.relayforlife.org/longwood.