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RELAY FOR LIFE HISTORY
One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, made a difference. In the mid-1980's, he wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed - running marathons.
In May 1985, it all began. Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. 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 fight cancer.
The next year, his vision came to life. He pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first 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 infield. 220 supporters from his community joined him, and that's how Relay For Life was born.
Fast forward ten years. Because of its fundraising success and overwhelming support of the Society's mission, Relay For Life was declared the Society's signature activity in 1996. Relay For Life celebrates survivors, funds research advancements, and cancer education; inspires the public to become involved in the Society's advocacy efforts; and makes important services possible for patients and their families.
The ACS is the largest source of private, not-for-profit cancer research funds in the United States. Over $100 million is spent annually by the ACS to fund research grants, and the ACS has funded the research of more than 30 Nobel Prize winners.
The Nation's Largest Non-Profit Fundraising Event. In 2003, more than 3 million people participated and 500,000 cancer survivors walked the opening laps. The Relay raised $265 million at 4,300+ sites throughout the United States and took place in more than 10 other countries evolving into a worldwide movement to end cancer. And we look forward to 2004-5!
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