The Relay for Life idea began with one person wanting to fight cancer. In 1985 Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to run and walk around a track for 24 hours as an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society. His idea has caught on big time and now more than 3.5 million people take part in the annual Relay for Life in over 5,000 towns and cities in the United States as well as in 20 other countries around the globe. To quote the Relay for Life site, it's a "global phenomenon" and it raises much needed funds as well as a national awareness for cancer and the research into a cure.
During this first year Dr. Klatt ran over 83 miles at the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington. As Dr. Klatt walked and ran his laps family and friends participated by donating $25 to walk and run with him for half an hour. This initial effort by Dr. Klatt produced $27,000 of funds that were put to cancer research to fight this disease.
Every Relay For Life has many similarities although no two will be the same. Local events take on local flavors and every person involved will bring their own ideas to the event. All Relays however have a certain theme, and follow the original tradition, regardless of where in the country, or the world, they are being held.
All Relays start with what is called a Survivors Lap. This lap honors survivors who are invited to have a lap around the track to celebrate their victory they have achieved over cancer. This beginning to each event is often characterized with love and emotions spilling over into tears and smiles as so many have a look at their lives, where they are, where they've been and most of all, where they are still going.
Care givers are not forgotten at any Relay and there is always a moment to respect them for all their efforts. Care givers give of themselves, their love, their time and of course all of the support they provide to friends and neighbors, family and co-workers who are affected by cancer.
The second part of all Relays is the Luminaria Ceremony, where we remember. After dark candles or glow sticks are lit inside bags which bear the names of those who have been touched by cancer. A silent lap is traditional among attendants. Grieving and healing come through the silence and a bonding of those involved always takes over. Life long friends and acquaintances are made and new loved ones acquired during a typical Relay For Life.
The Fight Back Ceremony marks the close of the event and is where we all vow to continue the fight against cancer and make personal commitments to that end. Getting tests, smoking cessation, taking actions and raising money are usual commitments, but there is always something new to arise from this selfless commitment to do whatever you can to help end the suffering of those who have cancer.
Robert 'BK' Kelsey writes of cancer related activities and to help those touched to get involved and attend a Relay For Life to help fight cancer. Glow sticks and other Relay For Life products are also available online.