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“THERE IS NO FINISH LINE UNTIL WE FIND A CURE”
What is Relay for Life?
Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and education for your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, and parks to take turns walking or running laps. Each team endeavors to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
Relay For Life represents hope for those who endure cancer and a prayer for those lost to cancer; they will never be forgotten.
History of Relay For Life
One person can make a difference. That is evidenced by the history of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington.
During the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. Dr. Klatt decided to raise money for the society by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons.
In May of 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track in Baker Stadium, at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma; covering more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. Nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Dr. Klatt raised $27,000 for cancer research.
As Dr. Klatt circled the track he thought how others could take-part. The doctor envisioned a 24-hour team-relay event. Months later he pulled-together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known then as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track in the historic stadium and raised $33,000. The spirit which prevailed at the track and in the tents dotting the infield has grown and spread to over 4,200 relay communities across the world. Relay for Life is now the largest nonprofit fundraising event on the planet. Three million people are expected to participate this year in countries which span the globe.
Someone
YOU know has been, or will be affected by cancer.
YOU can help by participating in finding the cures.
Support Relay for Life.
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