By participating in Iowa State’s second annual Relay for Life, students have the opportunity to save lives and have fun at the same time.

Jamie Pollard, ISU athletic director, kicked off Tuesday night’s event.

“Cancer is a tough, tough disease,” Pollard said. “It doesn’t discriminate. It strikes anytime, any place, and when it does, it’s good to know there are people like all of you.”

Students packed the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union for information on Iowa State’s Relay for Life which will be held in April.

“It’s rare to find someone who isn’t directly or indirectly affected by cancer,” said Nathan Chizek, junior in industrial technology and co-chairman for the event.

Last year, more than 60 teams raised over $50,000 for the American Cancer Society, Chizek said.

“We want to go bigger and better than ever before, and with the help of ISU’s students we can go over the top,” Chizek said.

Pollard, his wife and four children are this year’s Relay for Life honorary family. As part of the informational rally, Pollard shared his son James’ battle with cancer.

“He had the spunk and the fight to get through a lot of tough health issues,” Pollard said.

Pollard’s son, James, was born prematurely, with a 6.5 pound “evil twin attached to his back,” as Pollard describes the tumor.

“You can walk around discouraged, disappointed and angry or you can take a step back and enjoy all the beautiful things this little boy can do,” Pollard said.

After several years of treatment and an additional bout with cancer, James Pollard is now cancer free.

“If James Pollard can inspire anyone in this room to do more, it’s a good thing,” Pollard said.

Students and faculty expressed a strong interest in the event and were eager to find a way to help.

Carol Petersen, assistant director of campus dining services expressed interest in forming a team from ISU Dining.

“It’s great to get a team together and raise money for cancer research,” Petersen said.

Organizers of the event expressed enthusiasm for Tuesday night’s turnout.

“[Relay for Life] is a great event, and if you haven’t tried one, you definitely should,” said Samuel Johnson, junior in biology and treasurer for Relay for Life.

For more information or to sign up for Relay for Life, students are encouraged to go to www.acsevents.org/relay/ia/iowastate.

The last day to register for Relay for Life and be guaranteed a spot is March 8.