Team Bo Dillaz at the VCU Relay for Life on April 18, 2009

"There's help, there's hope. It's important that we stick together for friends, for family, for strangers," said Ana Sarshar, one of the co-captains for Team Bo Dillaz of Richmond, one of 45 teams participating in VCU's Relay for Life on April 18, 2009.

The VCU Relay for Life will take place all day at Cary Street Field, with a total of 356 officially registered with teams. This year's theme is "Carnival." Each team will decorate its own campsite and have one member walking on the track at all times. In addition to all of the other fun activities happening, a new aspect will be introduced to the event: Miss Relay, where guys dress in drag and compete in a "beauty" pageant. The public is encouraged to attend to show their support and donate, if they can.

"The whole day is dedicated to cancer awareness-supporting each other and supporting the cause," Green explained.

Relay for Life is an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to increase funds, increase awareness, and provide a place for cancer survivors to come together with people whose family and friends have died of cancer.

VCU Mass Communications students Jasmine Reeder, Lyndsey Blow,Ana Sarshar formed Team Bo-Dillaz because "it's a good cause," said Blow. Blow participated in Relay for Life in her senior year of National Honors Society back in high school and wanted to do it again. Sarshar stated that the event is "very close to her heart because my father died of cancer. It helps me deal with it, knowing that I'm doing it for him."

Team Bo Dillaz based their team name on the restaurant, Bo Dillaz Famous Quesazillaz (916 West Broad St.) where they held their fundraiser, "Grub for Da Cause" on April 4, 2009. "We gave it that name [Grub for Da Cause] to appeal to college students," Sarshar said, "You know how people are always talking about 'grubbing.'"

The evening featured a performance from VCU Arts student Christina Lindenmuth, who has also danced in Disney World, Beijing, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey.

"I'm dancing to support the cause and shine my face!" Lindenmuth exclaimed. Her uncle also died of cancer and, recently, her father's best friend was diagnosed with the disease.

Reeder estimates that about fifty people unaffiliated with their 14-member team passed through the night. An after-party followed the event at Papa Ningo's (1703 E Franklin St.) because Blow said, "my friends and I love to go clubbing there, and they don't get a lot of publicity."

The team raised about $150 the night of "Grub for Da Cause," which brings them almost to $500 total, "our benchmark," Blow said. They would, however, appreciate more donations. You can donate directly to the team at the website listed below.

If you are interested in volunteering at VCU's Relay for Life, contact Sharon Pierce at Sharon.Pierce@cancer.org or 804-527-3777. To learn more about the event and the teams or make a donation, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/vcu.