The American Marketing Association sponsored its third annual 5K Dash for Descents Sunday morning at Huskie Stadium.

Proceeds go to First Descents, a summer kayaking camp for young adults with cancer.

A wide variety of supporters were present, ranging from NIU students to First Descents counselors.

Brock Royer, a First Descents ambassador and counselor, is a witness to the impact of this program.

“First Descents is a great way to help kids who have cancer to meet other kids that have it, and this helps them learn that they are not alone,” Royer said. “It’s a great program. I know, I have cancer, too.”

First Descents is a week-long program in Colorado where participants can go hiking, kayaking and horseback riding.

First Descents uses outdoor activities to help campers face challenges and overcome obstacles associated with living with cancer in a fun and supportive environment.

More than $2,000 was raised at Sunday’s 5K dash. Of the 138 people who came to support the 5K, 110 were participants, said Michelle Gordon, senior marketing major and president of the AMA.

“This is the third year of this event, but our first benefitting First Descents,” Gordon said. “We were very proud of this event. We all had a great time.”

Participants like sophomore accountancy major Ryan Usalis also enjoyed the event.

“I had a blast. It was a beautiful day. This was well-organized,” Usalis said. “It was for a great cause.”

It also was a positive experience for Katie Zechman, a senior marketing major and corporate relations executive for the AMA.

“I had a great time,” Zechman said. “There was lots of energy and positivity here from the participants.”

For more information on First Descents or to donate, visit www.firstdescents.com.