“It was a time in my life when I needed to enjoy life and be happy that I was alive,” said Nancy Simonds as she described her experience with surviving breast cancer.

Simonds, and other cancer survivors shared their stories with DU students on Saturday evening during the opening ceremony of the first annual Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Over 150 students made up 12 teams that walked around Hamilton gym from 6 p.m. on Saturday until 9 a.m. on Sunday. Prior to the night of festivities each team raised money for cancer research and treatments. Committee members visited businesses surrounding the university and received in kind and money donations for the fundraiser.

The whole night was filled with music, food, walking laps and various themed hours. During the ’80s and ’90s hour, each team sponsored a male to participate in the “Mrs. Relay” beauty pageant. The men dressed up in women’s clothing and answered interview questions after strutting their stuff down the runway. Games such as basketball, dodge ball and twister preoccupied people while their teammates were walking laps.

Elizabeth Musson, community relationship manager for the American Cancer Society, was enthusiastic about the DU students who spoke about their personal experiences with cancer.

Other students, such as Paul Lanning, were also surprised at the number of DU students with cancer.

“I didn’t realize how personal cancer was and that we had survivors at DU,” said Lanning.

Co-chairwomen Lindsay Simonds and Savanah Berger were pleased with the turn out.

“It was an even better turn out than we (the committee) expected,” Simonds said.

“Everyone who came was really enthusiastic and willing to participate. I think the cancer survivors had a great time as well,” said Berger.

Musson hopes to make Relay for Life a tradition at the university. “Next year we want more students, faculty and alumni involved,” said Musson.