Julia Richardson walked to support those who stood by her through one of the most difficult periods of her life: when she was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago.

Richardson, 20, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005, and made the opening statement at the third annual “Relay for Life of SFSU,” sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Richardson said she was initially reluctant to participate, but felt obligated to support the American Cancer Society.

“The thing that I really want people to know is to trust your body and yourself,” said Richardson, a double major in political science and international relations at SF State. “I had two doctors tell me that nothing was wrong with me and I knew something was wrong. You really have to take care of yourself.”

More than 150 students walked for 24 hours around the Lowell High School track to raise money and awareness for a disease that never sleeps, and one that will infect one in three Americans in their lifetime.

Eighteen teams from various clubs and organizations on and off campus took part in the American Cancer Society’s biggest nationwide fundraiser. The event was one of many relays happening simultaneously on college campuses across the country, including UC Berkeley and Sacramento State University.

With free food to keep participants energized, music from local radio station Energy 92.7 and cancer awareness and prevention activities, the event was like a “Woodstock without any drugs,” said Jessica Laub, 20, the events planner for the American Cancer Society.

“SF State really lacks a sense of community,” Laub said. “You are camping with hundreds of other students for 24 hours, at that point you begin to feel like you know everybody.”

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based health organization that provides assistance and services for cancer patients, and survivors.

Asian Student Union member Andrew Villaflor, 19, dressed as a life-sized tissue box, came to show support.

“There are a lot of people who are sad with cancer and a tissue equals comfort,” said Villaflor, a BECA major.

Throughout the day, team members rotated on and off the track giving others time to relax. At least one team member remained on the track at all times. More than 30 tents were pitched and spread over half of the field where participants barbecued or just hung out. Only three hours into the ceremony there were more than 100 signatures on the “Wall of Hope,” a large banner that will be sent to Washington, D.C.

After the sun had set and participants had been walking for 11 hours, the luminary ceremony began. Hundreds of candles lit the way in memory of those who have died of cancer. The lights symbolized hope and perseverance in the fight against cancer.

Leah Edun, 21, has been the event co-chair for Relay for Life for two years, and began participating when she was in high school. She also lost a grandfather to cancer.

“Cancer is a disease that affects us all regardless of race, class, or gender,” said Edun, a business marketing major at SF State. “I encourage students to come out, get involved and make a difference in the lives of those living and dying with cancer.”