You are walking around the track or gym at West Morris Central High School at 4:00 AM on June 14 and wonder how did the Relay For Life begin. Back in 1985, an enterprising surgeon from Washington State named Dr. Gordon Klatt started the efforts by raising $27,000 for cancer research with his vision to walk around a local university track for 24 hours, clocking 83 miles around the track. He had friends pay $25 each to join him in 30 minute stints. He then figured out how to offer this type of event in other areas as a team relay event and this idea was rolled out all over the US as well as internationally.

According to the Relay For Life literature, Relay For Life has been going strong for 28 years and includes over 5,200 events and $5 billion raised. Currently, Relay for Life events hail approximately 4 million participants in the US alone, in addition to other Relay events that are held around the world. The money goes to things like: grants for research and programs, support programs, detection efforts and the like.

Attending a Relay For Life overnight event is an interesting experience. Each team brings sleeping bags, tents, food, various accessories / themed items and each team must have at least one team member on the track at all times. The event is both a celebration and a remembrance event all in one. There are certain traditions that occur at all Relay events. There is a celebration lap for cancer survivors. There is a remembrance lap where candles are lit inside of bags to symbolize those who have been impacted by cancer and those who have died. There is also a “Fight Back” lap where participants commit to taking action against cancer by taking on a healthy habit or taking some other type of action to defeat cancer.

Participating in Relay For Life is a life changing experience for everyone and it allows participants to feel like they are taking action and making a difference. If you did not get a chance to participate in the WMC event this year, look for the information on Relay For Life in the fall and jump on board. Not only will you help others by raising money and awareness, but you will also grow and be changed by the experience.