Relay for Life hosted one of its annual events on Thursday, November 13, titled “Wall of Thanksgiving.” 

Relay for Life is a recognized student organization (RSO) that raises money for the American Cancer Society and spreads cancer awareness on campus and in the local community.

Vice President of Fundraising, senior Carmen Gomez, said, “Last year we did it on a wall, but we didn’t want to bring it up here because it was massive, so we decided to do a table this year.”

In regards to what Relay for Life does, Gomez said, “We host events like Table of Thanksgiving to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We also have other groups that go out to businesses and reach out to them about potentially donating for sponsorships to host our big event. And we also have a new group this year that will be primarily focused on survivors and letting them know that we are here for them, not solely just for monetary purposes.”

Any student of University of Central Arkansas can join Relay for Life. 

Senior Lilly Pinion said, “[I joined Relay for Life because] I saw the impact it made on campus with the Big Event every year and giving back to the American Cancer Society. Cancer has impacted my family so much … so it’s something that I wanted to get back to.”

Table of Thanksgiving offered students passing by an opportunity to take a moment and reflect and to write down what they were thankful for on a banner ahead of Thanksgiving.

Relay for Life was also selling buttons to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

The buttons were $3 a piece and there were four designs that buyers could choose from. 

One of the buttons said “lung cancer awareness,” as November is lung cancer awareness month.

Gomez said, “[This event] was a big hit last year, and we just wanted to find a way to express gratitude during the Thanksgiving season because it’s coming up soon.”

Pinion said, “I know the holiday season can be hard for many, cancer survivors or patients or families that have been affected. So this [event] is just a little, easy way to show our gratitude and… connect with students at UCA to show the way they’re grateful for in this season. And I know finals are coming up, it’s very stressful, it’s just something to bridge the gap between Relay for Life and UCA students.”

Relay for Life is not done throwing events like this to raise money for its cause. 

Relay for Life already has another one of its annual events planned for March 14, 2026: The Big Event.

Gomez said, “We usually have a bunch of RSO booths and food trucks and inflatables… it’s just a really fun way to get the city of Conway involved to support our cause.”

According to its CubConnect, Relay for Life is hosting “Pin the Turkey” on Wednesday, November 19 at 9 a.m. 

This philanthropic event will offer students a chance to donate to the American Cancer Society and play pin the turkey to get in the Thanksgiving spirit. There will also be more buttons for sale at that event.

More information about Relay for Life and its upcoming events can be found on its CubConnect.