This is my first year volunteering for Relay for Life. We talked to the local representatives, formed a team at work, and are looking forward to fund raising for the cause. The more information I gather about this wonderful event, the more I want to encourage others to volunteer.
Relay for Life started as a dream for one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt. A colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, Dr. Klatt wanted to raise money for the local American Cancer Society and to show support for his patients. For 24 hours, Dr Klatt ran and walked over 83 miles while friends, family, and his patients watched from the stands. People donated money to run on the track with Dr. Klatt for 30 minutes and he raised over $27,000.
Relay for Life has grown since that 1985 marathon by one man. Now teams all over the world raise money for the American Cancer Society. In fact, 23 countries participate in this event worldwide. Local teams meet at high schools, parks, or fairgrounds. Because cancer never sleeps, the teams spend up to 24 hours walking or running around the track. The money raised benefits so many different programs from Road to Recovery, a program that offers rides to cancer patients to and from treatment, to Look Good…Feel Better, a program where trained volunteer cosmetologists teach female cancer patients beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
I am volunteering in honor of my dad, Samuel H Russ, who passed away from cancer in 2002. Another member of my team has also lost someone close from cancer. I doubt there are very many people in the world who haven’t felt the terror of a cancer diagnosis for someone in their families. Cancer shows no favorism, no age discrimination, and no prejudice. Cancer strikes anyone at any time. We ALL need to get involved. Honor those you have lost and help stop cancer before it gets any further!