Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.
The Relay for Life came into existence in the mid-1980’s. This wonderful and life changing idea was brought into fruition by Dr. Gordy Klatt; Klatt was a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington.
The reasoning behind creating the Relay for Life events was to maximize and enhance the income of his American Cancer Society. The very first event that was held by Dr. Klatt was one in which he endured a rigorous twenty-four hours going around the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than eighty-three miles. By the time it was all said and done he raised twenty-seven thousand dollars to go towards the battle against fighting cancer. Just months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay to be known only as the City of Destiny Classic Twenty-Four Hour Run Against Cancer. The story of the Relay For Life is one with a goal to raise money to fight cancer while having a great time with friends, family and perhaps new acquaintances. To unify neighborhood, community and even our world battling cancer while at the same time celebrating those of us that survived the fight while remembering those that did not during The Lumineria Ceremony.
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