Relay For Life at Virginia Tech, one of the biggest service events on campus and the largest collegiate "relay" in the world, has raised more than $4.5 million for the American Cancer Society. To participate in this year's event on April 24 on the Drillfield or to help Virginia Tech reach its fundraising goal, go to vtrelay.org

Why I 'relay'

by Ashley Graham

Kim Graham, of Yorktown, Virginia, with her daughter, Ashley Graham, a senior majoring in marketing management who serves on the executive committee for Virginia Tech's Relay For Life. Photo courtesy of Ashley Graham.

Although I "relay" for many reasons, my inspiration comes from the strongest woman I know: my mom.

My story goes back 10 years to a day in fifth grade that I will never forget. Little did my family and I know that day would lead to a journey full of multiple doctor visits and struggles, as well as triumphs, for the next decade.