Relay for Life continues fight to rid the world of cancer

The Relay for Life was established to raise awareness about cancer and to raise funds for research. The event, which started in the mid 1980′s in Tacoma Washington, was first started by Dr. Gordy Klatt. The Tacoma colorectal surgeon wanted to help his community raise money for cancer research so he started off on a 24 hour marathon by circling the track at the University of Puget Sound. He walked and ran more than 83 miles. During the 24 hour period friends and admirers donated $27,000 to use toward fighting cancer.

The following year the event expanded and 19 teams participated. Today thousands and thousands of volunteers participate in the event, The Relay for Life. The money raised not only helps in research, but the event, itself, helps to celebrate cancer survivorship. Each event, in each city that participates, begins with a Survivors Lap. Cancer survivors take a victory lap around the track. Later in the evening there is a candlelight ceremony. This is in celebration of the cancer survivors as well as in remembrance of those who lost their life to the disease.

Today the event has become worldwide. In 1996 the American Cancer Society joined with a number of cancer organizations in countries around the world. The hundreds of communities that participate have the same passion and desire to find a cure to the deadly disease.

This year a record was set. Todd Ragsdale, a 41 year old, started the event at 8:00 a.m. Saturday and completed his 413 laps at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday – his record – 102 miles, and he ran them all barefoot.