Many people in our hometowns will be sleepy this weekend. But it's for a good cause.
Several areas held the annual Relay for Life from Friday night to Saturday morning.
"This is actually my first relay and I'm amazed at how many people are showing up," says Virginia Tech student Peter Choi.
The Drillfield at Virginia Tech was filled with tents Friday.
Relay for Life is a 12-hour event where people walk laps and camp out to fight cancer.
For the last three years, the Hokies have raised the most money for any one college for Relay for Life.
So far this year Virginia Tech has raised half a million dollars. But organizers expect the final number to hit $600,000.
"I'm hoping we keep the crown," says student Chris Jennings, "Hokies #1".
For many students Relay hits close to home.
"My mom was diagnosed with leukemia and we went through a really tough couple of years and last March she passed away and this year it's just been that much more important to me," says student Emily Tanner.
Roanoke College students also took a walk for cancer research in Salem. It's goal was $24,000.
"I think it just shows that no matter who you are you've been affected by cancer in some way and that it just really means something to everyone," says student Julie Brown.
Relay for Life was also held in Vinton at William Byrd High School. Teams there raised $62,000 before the event began at 7p.m.
Every step they take is one step closer to finding a cure.
