Relay for Life: History and Reasons to Fundraise

In May of 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runner wanted help raise money for his local American Cancer Society chapter. For 24 hours on the Baker Stadium track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Dr. Klatt ran around the track totaling over 80 miles. Friends and supporters paid money to run/walk with Dr. Klatt for periods of time. In one night he raised $27,000 at what was known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. The next year, in 1986, the first Relay for Life event was took place at the Stadium Bowl. 19 teams participated in the event which raised $33,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Today Relay for Life is the number one fundraiser conducted by ACS and is present in communities all over the world. It brings over 3.5 million people together to celebrate those fighting cancer, remember those we have lost to the disease and fight back to find a cure. Whether your community is large or small each event can make a difference and help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Each participant is a hero to a patient with battling cancer and every dollar goes a long way.

While everyone has their own reason to Relay, the American Cancer Society uses the funds generated each year to support medical research and programs that help patients, care givers and the families that Cancer affects. Relay for Life is popular among college campuses and corporate companies. Relay Captains start teams and recruit friends to join and help fundraise. Fundraising includes letter writing campaigns, bake sales, sponsorships and much more. Each dollar helps patients to win the fight against cancer, improve quality of life while suffering from cancer and provides money to research for a cure and information on ways to stay cancer free. More information on a few programs sponsored by ACS is below:

The American Cancer Society began its scholarship program in 2000. Each year ACS gives students with a history of cancer financial assistance to attend school.

The Look Better…Feel Better program is offered both to Men and Women and provides tips on how to embrace the way treatment and its coinciding side effects changes the way a person looks. Group workshops are provided to women who meet with other female patients going through treatment and beauty professionals. They are given a free makeup kit and lessons on makeup, skin care, nail care and tips to detract from hair loss.

The American Cancer Society supports Hope Lodges which provide a retreat like atmosphere where patients can receive a temporary place to stay near treatment far from home. Hope Lodge is free to patients and one caregiver. There are 31 Hope Lodge offices located in the United States, one of which I frequent because it is near the neighboring Emory Campus. Each location offers a healing environment, resources and help to those fighting Cancer.

If you would like to make a donation to Relay for Life, click here to visit my page. If you would like to take the lead in a local Relay for Life event click here to find events in your area and gain information on starting a team. Almost everyone can link themselves to cancer through someone they know. If you are a lucky person who can say they have never been nor know someone who has battled cancer you should still consider donating your time or money to the cause to help make our world cancer free to every individual.