Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was the diagnosis for sophomore Hannah Miller at the age of 13.

She went through eight months of chemotherapy and completed eighth grade thinking the cancer was gone, but she relapsed.

“I was handed a low chance of surviving,” Miller said. “Usually people don’t relapse with that type of cancer.”

She tried different medicines to fight the cancer, and the drug Rituxan, funded by Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society, worked.

After treatment ended in spring of 2006, Miller became more active in Relay for Life.

“I went to committee meetings, anything related to the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life basically saved my life,” Miller said. “Every now and then I’ll do a speech … It gives it a personal feel for those who haven’t experienced cancer in their life.”

Miller plans to be the captain of the Baker University team at this year’s Relay for Life event, working with the Student Activities Council April 15-16 at the University of Kansas.

“Everyone knows someone who‘s had cancer,” Miller said. “This relay started with one man running around the track, and now it’s an international event. I wish some people would realize how meaningful it is.”

At Relay for Life events, Miller said the night signifies the cancer process.

The first lap is done by survivors, the second by caregivers and the third by everyone.

At midnight, a luminary service takes place in honor or in memory of someone with or who has had cancer.

“That’s the point where you realize this is bigger than me …” Miller said. “You’re walking and its 3 a.m. and you’re starting to want to quit. That represents the point where the patient wants to quit. That’s where they have the fight back ceremony.”

The final lap the next morning signifies the end of the treatment.

“The SAC team is having a bake sale right after Spring Break. I know that each team is encouraged to fundraise and each Baker team is trying to raise $1,000,” SAC Impact Coordinator Lauren Williams said.

SAC Vice President Bradford Oliva participated last year and plans to participate again in April.

“It’s really cool to see how much money people donate,” Oliva said. “It’s a really cool cause.”

Williams said Alpha Chi Omega sorority, the Gay-Straight Alliance and Delta Delta Delta sorority are forming teams for the event.

“We’re trying to get all of the campus involved,” Williams said.

Any BU student can sign up to participate on a team.

“If people don’t want to do it, it’s fine, but its helping people,” Miller said. “Some are still in treatment. That person is here today proving they can survive this. Everyone should experience this sometime.”