Coastal Carolina University's Relay for Life, held April 8 and 9, raised $103,351 at the 12-hour event, beating its goal of $100,000; the fundraising continues through August.

Forty-six teams, with more than 900 participants and more than 1,000 walkers, took part in the event, with all the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

"The Relay for Life event on our campus gives our broader community a glimpse into the amazing things our students can accomplish when they are working together," said Debbie Conner, vice president for campus life and student engagement. "It is an event that combines great philanthropic efforts and our campus community."

The top three fundraising teams were the Colleges Against Cancer Leadership Team; Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Kappa; and Gamma Phi Beta and Kappa Sigma.

Donnelly Wolf, a sophomore from Murfreesboro, Tenn., and captain of CCU's professional golf management team, has volunteered for Relay for Life since his senior year in high school. He does it because his own family has been cancer-free, but many of his friends' families have not. During the Relay, the team made a giant board game called "Operation" for walkers to play and enjoy.

"My favorite moment from this year's event was during the CCU baseball game against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on April 8," said Wolf. "I led the team captains' walk around the warning track, and it was so special to see both the teams and their fans stop what they were doing to congratulate us on our success. The Lousiana fan base and players even walked over and thanked us for what we were doing. It was a very special moment I will never forget!"

CCU started Relay for Life events on its campus in 2007. The walk is between six and 24 hours, and teams are required to have at least one person walking at all times. According to the American Cancer Society, this is "to signify that cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients don't stop because they're tired, and for one night, neither do we." Throughout the duration of the event, participants take part in activities and ceremonies to remember those who have passed due to cancer, those who are still fighting, and those affected by cancer.

To contribute to Coastal's Relay for Life, visit http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=83492 or call 843-457-8761.