For the second year in a row, WT’s Librarians for Shelving Cancer are helping to put on the Canyon Relay for Life with the WT Veterans’ Network team, Boots `N Tees.

Last year, both groups helped raise $6000 by conducting a silent auction, two fundraisers and a relay event. This year the groups are aspiring to raise more.

“[We] are hoping to double that number,” said Beth Vizzini, head of circulation at Cornette Library.The Cornette Library will be accepting donations Feb. through April in addition to hosting two benefits each month.

“[We are] hoping more exposure will lead to more funding,” said Wendy Collier, community teams development chair for Relay for Life. “Last year’s relay event had 48 teams, and had a 200 percent increase in funds from the previous year.”

WT librarians began collecting funds last year when Vizzini’s twin sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. After the diagnosis, Vizzini learned that a BRCA1 gene mutation ran in her family and that she too had the mutation. “My sister saved my life,” said Vizzini. “Everyone knows somebody who’s been touched [by cancer].”

In addition to cancer research, collected funds aid cancer victims and their families, explained Collier.

“There are many programs to help support them,” said Collier.

Students like sophomore History major Matthew Jellison, appreciate being informed of cancer funds.

“I didn’t even know we had a cancer fund,” said Jellison. “I hope that I can help [now].”