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