The American Cancer Society Relay For LifeThe American Cancer Society Relay For Life began in the mid-1980's in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. It was founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon. He wanted to help his local American Cancer Society. He enjoyed running marathons so he decided to personally raise money by circling the track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for 24 hours. During these 24 hours others paid $25 to run or walk with him for 30 minutes. He raised $27,000 to help fight cancer. As he was circling the track he thought about how others could help. It was then that Dr. Gordy Klatt visualized a 24 hour team relay event to raise money for the fight against cancer. And this is how the Relay For Life started.
*** Have a great Relay For Life story to share? Create your own special page about your experiences here! *** Our Team - Kaden's Crusaders 2008 was our first year as a team in Relay For Life. After Kaden's leukemia diagnosis in August 2007 we wanted to do something to fight back against cancer. My sister and myself (Kaden's mother) started a team as captain and co-captain. Our team name is Kaden's Crusaders.
There are special events that take place for all cancer survivors. These events include the torch walk, survivor dinner and the survivor lap. There was also a rocking chair that was being raffled off that survivors could rock in for 30 minute intervals. Kaden participated in the event that is called the torch walk. It is a walk along the road that is escorted by police and firemen. Cancer survivors are invited to participate by carrying a burning torch. Each survivor walks a short distance and then hands the torch off to another survivor. They continue this until the torch reaches the track where the main event takes place. This was an amazing and emotional experience.
Throughout the 24 hours of the relay event there were other activities that you can participate in. Kaden really enjoyed the illusionist. Most teams use the event as an opportunity to raise even more money for the fight against cancer. They sell items such as food, crafts, raffles and more. At our local event this year the goal was to raise a total of $106,000 for the American Cancer Society. We well exceeded that goal by raising $129,700!!! What an awesome feeling to be a part of that experience! If you are interested in taking part in Relay For Life just contact your local American Cancer Society for information. Have A Great Relay For Life Story?Do you have a great story about your experience with Relay For Life? Create your own special page and share with us why you relay, who you relay for and any other exciting stories and pictures! You can also add a video by entering the "embed code" of your Youtube video. Share your story and have fun with it! You can then send others to your page and they can leave their own comments. What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Our Attempt to Make a Difference - Relay For Life
Relay For Life 2009
Cancer Knows No Boundaries - My Experience With Relay For Life
Return from Relay For Life to Ways You Can Help Return to Home Page
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We had a lot of fun participating in the 24 hour event. The idea is to have someone from your team walking on the track at all times throughout the 24 hours. We actually had members of our team walk 20 miles straight without stopping to show their support for Kaden!!! It was amazing! Oh...and did I mention that our team won the Team Spirit award? We did and Kaden was soooo excited when he saw that trophy.
