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About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (July 20, 2016)
A History of Relay For Life One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of Dr. Gordy Klatt and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. Celebrate – The Survivors Lap Relay starts with a Survivors Lap – a inspira- tional time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Sur- vivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year – like those of each individual on the track. We also recognize and celebrate caregiv- ers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neigh- bors, and coworkers who face cancer. At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society offi ce. He decided to personally raise money for the fi ght against cancer by doing something he enjoyed— running marathons. In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the Univer- sity of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fi ght cancer. That fi rst year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt’s friends, family and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Realy For Life Founder & Cancer Survivor Dr. Gordy Klatt While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fi ght cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the fi rst team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. In 1986, 19 teams took part in the fi rst team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infi eld. The vision turned into over 5,200 Relay For Life events across the United States today and nearly $5 billion in fundraising to save lives from cancer. In addition, the American Cancer Society licenses 24 non-governmental cancer organizations in other countries to hold Relay For Life events to battle cancer across the globe. For 29 years, Relay For Life has provided inspiration and hope for millions of cancer survivors and caregivers. What is Relay For Life Today? The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fi ght back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. What Happens at Relay For Life Events? Although every Relay For Life is different, there are certain traditions at all Relays, no matter where they are held. These traditions help participants cel- ebrate, remember, and fi ght back. Remember – The Luminaria Ceremony After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease dur- ing the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags fi lled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence. As people take time to remember, those who have walked alongside others battling cancer can grieve and fi nd healing. This is a time that truly highlights the importance of defeating this disease. Fight Back – The Fight Back Ceremony Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commit- ment to save lives by taking up the fi ght against cancer. That personal com- mitment may be to do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking, or talking to elected offi cials about cancer. By taking action, people are personally taking steps to save lives and fi ght back against a disease that takes too much. Phone/Fax In loving memory of 541-942-8870 my Father, Alvin Ray Cell 541-729-8810 We Support Relay for Life dray@trinityinsurance.us www.trinityinsurance.us Phone/Fax 541-942-8870 PO Box www.trinityinsurance.us 565 Cottage Grove, OR 97424 Deborah Alan Ray Ray Agency Owner/Manager President JIM’S AUTOMOTIVE Jim Bales Owner 541-942-9305 In memory of Kim Bales. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 409 South 6th Street, CG Monday - Friday • 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 4 • 2016 Relay for Life of South Lane County
