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How did Relay Begin?
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt took the first step of his 24 hour walk/jog/run around a Tacoma, Washington, track and raised ,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 220 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt in this overnight event and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was born. Over the last 20 years, Relay For Life has spread to more than 4,000 communities in the United States and nine countries and has raised over $1 billion to help fight cancer.
What began as one man's statement in the fight against cancer has led to the American Cancer Society's worldwide movement to end cancer.
Why Relay?
The power of Relay is that it allows a community to grieve for those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who have survived. Relay For Life offers the opportunity to share our sorrow and our joy with others -- as friends, as survivors, as caregivers, as a community. A Letter From a Team Captain to Her Team... "I was traveling home today and stopped at a Cracker Barrel to eat. As I went into the restroom I noticed a woman in line in front of me who had lost her hair and was wearing a ball cap. I was wearing a polo shirt with the Relay logo on it. She pointed to my shirt and then touched the logo and simply said, 'Thank you...I'm a cancer survivor. Thank you.' We had a brief conversation after that as she asked about my efforts with ACS and then wanted to know if our Relay had been successful. I didn't see her again but I haven't been able to forget that encounter. She is why we do Relay. "I don't know this woman, but I know she has touched my heart. She represents all those I do know and have known, and unfortunately those that I will know in the future. I know that she will be in my prayers tonight. She represents the gift of hope we give each time we raise another dollar. That is why I will keep pushing you to raise more money this year. Yes, we surpassed our goal but we haven't eradicated cancer, so surpassing a goal is not good enough. As long as we have to set goals against cancer, it's not good enough. This woman's small thank you is ony one of the many that are offered to us each day so please remember that, take it with you, and continue raising and turning in money until the end of this Relay season, August 31st. Then...we will start on next year." "Thank You."
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