Simple, everyday things can hold great meaning for people. For Jaclyn Hansel, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication, going on walks with her father was one of them.

Even though he isn’t here anymore, Hansel continues to walk in memory of her father.

“My father passed away in September, and I wanted to do something in honor of him,” Hansel said.

Hansel was one of many who participated in Relay for Life at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center on Friday night.

Hansel’s team included her friends Sean French, sophomore in finance and marketing, and Jeremy White, junior in communication studies.

“It’s tough to see someone so young lose someone of importance,” French said. “The way it hurt was seeing our friend go through something like [that].”

Some were motivated by a cancer diagnosis to get involved in fighting the disease.

“Personally, I’ve got a couple friends of mine right now whose parents are still going through chemos to battle cancer,” White said, “and it just means a lot to actually get out and involved because there’s nothing really we can do but raising money, and raising awareness really means something to us.”

Hansel described her father as “a really simple man.”

“He liked spending time with his family,” Hansel said. “He was completely content with sitting back and watching everybody have fun.”

Before her father was diagnosed last June, Hansel never had to worry about cancer.

“Our family hasn’t really been touched by [cancer] before,” Hansel said. “It really surprised us and it happened so fast.”

Hansel said her father had lung cancer, and “it spread really fast.”

“I went back to school, and things had took a turn for the worst,” Hansel said.

Hansel’s family, friends, advisers and teachers supported her when her father passed away last September.

“We’ve always been a close family, but we’ve definitely gotten closer,” Hansel said.

Hansel views life with a newfound appreciation since her father died.

“It’s made me stand back and look at my life,” she said. “All my future goals have completely changed.”

Hansel has made some large changes in her life, including switching her major.

“He always supported me in anything that I did,” Hansel said. “He always let me know I could change the world.”

Megan Savaia, senior in psychology, participated in Relay for Life with her sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma. Fighting breast cancer is one of the house’s philanthropic pursuits.

“Basically, a lot of us felt we connected to what Relay for Life was about,” Savaia said. “Maybe one day we really can start a cure.”

Lizette Hinojo, sophomore in biochemistry and Sigma Lambda Gamma member, echoes Savaia’s hope for a cure.

Hinojo’s two young cousins, who live in Peru, have cancer and don’t have access to the medical help they need.

“I know I can’t do much about it because I’m over here and they’re over there,” said Hinojo.

Hinojo said the situation is especially difficult for her aunt.

“She knows her son is not going to have a wedding [or] go to school,” said Hinojo. “Every moment – every second – counts.”

But Relay for Life provided an opportunity for to raise money for and awareness of cancer.

“It’s just been really hard for my family,” said Hinojo. “I want my cousins to run again, to be happy.”