In honor of those fighting cancer, many students gathered in front of the Memorial Tower Thursday night for a Relay for Life Luminaria Ceremony.
“We’re here today to you know raise not only awareness of cancer and cancer research, but also raise awareness of the people we’re actually doing this for,” said Buster Pickett, Executive Director of Relay for Life at LSU.  
Students were able to purchase Luminaria bags to decorate in honor of their loved ones fighting cancer. These bags were placed on the steps of the Memorial Tower in the shape of the word “HOPE.”
There was also a station that gave students the opportunity to sign up for the Relay for Life.
Everyone in attendance was given a glow stick, and those affected by cancer in some way were asked to crack it. In the end, all of the glow sticks were lit, symbolizing the major impact cancer has had on society.
“Cancer affects more people than you would ever guess,” Pickett said. “During the ceremony, the glow stick ceremony we had earlier, we got to see why everybody else is here. It was just powerful and wonderful.”
In addition to the glow stick ceremony, there was a guest speaker, a live entertainer and a slideshow presentation honoring those diagnosed with cancer.