Around 300 University of Windsor students have celebrated cancer survivors and remembered those who have passed away from the disease.
Their first ever 12-hour Relay For Life event was held from Friday night until Saturday morning to raise money to help the Canadian Cancer Society with research and support those affected by cancer.
Cancer survivor and Relay Chair Sarah Columbus is 16 years cancer free and said she's very fortunate not to have had a reoccurrence.
"Everyone knows someone affected by cancer and even just the little things that we can do to help someone and know that there's hope in the world," Columbus said.
University of Windsor students have celebrated cancer survivors and remembered those who have passed away from the disease. Mar 22, 2019. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Columbus said going through cancer at such a young age was overwhelming.
"I got thrown into it so young. I remember seeing my parents crying but I never fully understood what was happening," she added.
Columbus said it took her a while to feel comfortable talking about her experience.
"I had side effects that I was embarrassed about and it didn't make me feel confident and it took me a little bit to actually feel confident and talk about all this," said Columbus.
Columbus was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of five after experiencing symptoms of pain in her right ankle that made it unbearable to walk.
Statistics showed that one in two Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetimes.
Students raised more than $17,500 in support of the Relay For Life event.
Visit www.relayforlife.ca/uwindsor to donate.