Participants of the American Cancer Society’s 7th annual Relay for Life, an event designed to celebrate cancer survivors and to raise money for research and awareness, raised $200,000 Friday at the Armory.

“I guess (the money goes) to some branch of cancer research, I’m not quite certain,” said participant and freshman in LAS Megan Hay.

The society reports that the money raised Relay for Life is split up between funding for cancer research, prevention education, early detection education, and patient services and support.

“We have very impressive records of research. Illinois has funded 42 researchers that went on to win the Nobel Prize,” said Shayne Squires, regional communications manager of the society. “We are one of the few states that has their own research program.”

The American Cancer Society focuses primarily on sponsoring young new researchers. Currently the University has four nationally funded grants in effect, totaling $2.1 million.

At present, these grants are funding cancer research at the University on the subjects of malignant melanoma, the chromosomal fragmentation role of DNA replication and the design of material for delivery of interfering RNA.

“It is really pretty amazing what research has been able to do, from finding certain viruses to developing new screening tests,” Squires said. “Because of research, people are now able to live longer with the disease. Breakthroughs in research have prolonged life expectancy for those infected.”

James Henderson, junior in LAS, was a participant in the American Cancer Society leading high school internship program. The program integrates high school students into cancer related research at a young stage in their career with the hope of creating future leaders in medicine. Henderson now serves as the Income Development Chair for the Board of Directors of the Eastern Region of the American Cancer Society.

“We are really looking to take research to the next level,” Henderson said, adding that the society is currently seeking a board member from the University in order to strengthen the relationship between University faculty and the Board of Directors. “We need a leader to step forward and guide us in the right direction, to give their input on where the money raised would be best spent.”

Special Friends is one of the many projects that the Eastern Region of the society is pursuing. The program is geared towards children suffering from cancer and pairs kids with a medical student mentor who educates them on what is going on with their body.

The program also disperses fears that the children may have after going through what can be rather painful treatments.

The board is looking to implement the program in University affiliated hospitals through the College of Medicine.

“Better treatments and screening methods are being developed thanks to the discoveries being made due to this on-going research,” Squires said. “It has a positive impact on all of us.”