Relay for Life was started in Tacoma, Washington as a 24-hour run against cancer, to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Now this event has turned into the second largest funder for cancer research in the nation — right behind the United State government.

“It’s overwhelming how many people are diagnosed and it’s not discriminating,” Caitie Gibson said. Gibson is one of this year’s co-chairs for Relay for Life at the University of Oregon.

“Everyone I’ve met has someone who has been affected by cancer,” Gibson said. “To me, it’s symbolic of that everyone is tied together in this, because they’re affected or know someone who is affected by cancer. My goal through doing this is that someday, through our efforts, no one will have to hear the words, ‘you have cancer.’”

Many organizations around campus are involved in supporting and raising money for this event. The groups range from sororities and fraternities to religious groups around campus.

Amanda Weiss, the director of engagement at the Oregon Hillel, will participate in the event tonight.

“I have had cancer touch many friends and members of my family,” Weiss said. “So there is a personal feel to it – there is a personal part of being supportive of those who are still fighting the fight and those who have died.”

So far, Relay for Life at UO has raised $24,372.02 and has 489 participants.

“The money part is great, but what I love about Relay is that it’s both about money and time,” Weiss said. “For college students and for myself, we don’t always have a ton of money. But the fact that you can donate your time for an evening … and the fact that you’re giving your time is amazing … I always tell my students ‘Do good, be amazing.’ If you do good, you’ll be amazing.”

Every year the event has a theme, and this year the UO committee for Relay for Life chose a theme of sports.

There will be a silent auction of a signed Boston Bruins jersey, a football signed by the Ducks, two signed Timbers hats and water bottle and a few massage packages.

Missed registration? You can still sign up today outside the event for $20.

Here’s a schedule of events for tonight’s Relay for Life:

5 p.m.: Opening ceremony

5:30 p.m.: Lap for survivors — survivors do one full lap, then everyone joins them.

6 p.m.: Dinner

10 p.m.: Luminaria ceremony

5 a.m.: Breakfast

6 a.m.: Sunrise yoga

8 a.m.: Closing ceremony