There is a good chance you, or someone you know and love, has had their lives touched by cancer. Perhaps a grandparent, friend, parent, or a child fighting for their life as they battle breast cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, brain cancer… More and more, we hear of the courageous efforts to survive. All too often we hear of battles lost by loved ones. This year alone I have lost an uncle as well as a friend to cancer.
In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, WA, walked and ran around a track for 24 hours straight to raise money for the American Cancer Society. He ran for more than 83 miles. His friends, family, patients and co-workers donated $25 to run by his side for 30 minutes at a time raising over $20,000 to donate to the American Cancer Society for cancer research. This singular event has evolved to become a world-wide phenomenon, now known as the “Relay for Life”.
Each year, over 3.5 million people in 5,000 United States Cities, as well as 19 countries gather to walk or run a track for 24 hours. Efforts are made at each Relay to educate the community on cancer awareness, as well as to raise funds for cancer research. Lives of cancer survivors are celebrated, and lives of those who have lost the battle to cancer are commemorated. As communities gather, friendships are created that can last a lifetime.
Last year was the first year I was able to participate in a Relay, and it was an amazing experience! It is INCREDIBLE the feeling you have, gathered together for this event! Teams walk throughout the night. I see this as very symbolic- the sun setting, darkness falling, and hopes rising with the morning sun for a cure for cancer. I really look forward to the Relay this year- being held July 9th in Riverton.
If anyone is interested in knowing more, let me know. The bags you see lining the track are luminaria- they can be purchased in memory of someone who has lost their life to cancer, as well as in celebration for someone who has survived the fight. The goal is to line the entire track- to light the way for a cure.
