American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” is a fun, family oriented event that helps a cause close to us all

When I was growing up I don’t recall there being many 5K, running or walking events for local causes. These days there are at least a dozen each year that people can participate in. And participate in them, you do! These events are always jam-packed – a tribute to organizers who have turned what was an athletic, competitive and individual focused event into a family-oriented one for a great cause.

Of course, these events don’t exclude the competitive athlete, they have just become more inclusive – some even going as far as offering a 1K kid’s walk. A great way to teach children how connected they are to the community and the importance of being active within it as well as the benefits of exercise and being social.

One organization that has been putting one type of these events before they became so popular, is the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life.” The very first “event” consisted of one person, Dr. Gordy Klatt, in May of 1985. Dr. Klatt wanted to help the American Cancer Society raise funds to help them fight what he felt was the nation’s biggest health concern.

The event was called the “City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer” and as you may have surmised, Dr. Klatt ran for an inspiring 24 hours! He ended up raising a whopping $27,000 for the society. As he was finishing the relay, he took note of the amazing turnout of supporters that spurred him on, and found it as a source of inspiration. He thought to do something similar annually, but on a much larger scale and thus, the concept of “Relay For Life” as born.

The following year, 19 teams totaling 340 people turned out and participated. Decades later, “Relay For Life” has grown from a one-man event to a multi-nation event that has raised more than $5 billion. Sadly, Dr. Gordy Klatt passed away in 2014 of heart failure while battling stomach cancer at the age of 71.

Today the fun-filled event which celebrates survivorship continues as part of Dr. Klatt’s legacy and is as popular as ever. There is quite a buzz as people gather at local landmarks like schools, parks, and fairgrounds, excited to strike a blow to a disease that affects so many of us by raising much needed funds. The relay’s motto is “We’re fighting for a world with less cancer and more birthdays. ”

What is a “Relay For Life” event like?
If you haven’t already participated in a Relay For Life, you likely have heard about one. Since there isn’t a person in the country who hasn’t been affected in some way by cancer, it is a cause that is perhaps rallied behind more than any other. So it’s likely someone you know or work with has done at least one.

What is different about Relay For Life compared to other events is that it is not a race or competitive in any way, but a relay – that means that people take turns walking or running laps keeping one member on the track at all times.

There is no time to beat, no minimum to accomplish, no high level of fitness required. Anyone and everyone can participate, regardless of age or fitness levels, whether an individual or part of a group, because of this. Yes, you do not have to be part of a team!

If your health prevents you from participating or perhaps you are nursing an injury of some sort, organizers are always looking for volunteers whether it is the day of the event or helping with planning to make the event happen.

New Bedford, Fall River & Tri-Town/Wareham Relays For Life
The local American Cancer Society centers that organize the area’s annual events are Relay For Life of Greater New Bedford started in 1994, Relay For Life of Greater Fall River started in 1999, and Relay For Life of Tri-Town/Wareham, which is a newly merged event but Relay For Life of Tri-Town started in 2005 and Wareham started in 2002.

Each center has a Community Manager: New Bedford is headed by Kjirsten Seiler and Fall River by Michaela Burke. Two individuals who have a passion for the cause, the people involved and the event. Kjirsten got interested as a volunteer 12 years ago and was so inspired by what she saw, that she knew she had to be more seriously involved.

“I have had far too many family members touched by cancer and joining the Relay For Life movement gave me the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than myself.

Watching the Survivor lap and walking the track during the Luminaria lap are very humbling experiences and make me want to fight for those who are traveling an unbelievably difficult road through cancer diagnosis and treatment. ”

With Michaela, her first experience was with her youth cheerleading team when she was only 10 years old. She continued to be involved with the event through college. “My family started with the Daffodil Days program and then learned more about the fundraising events to get involved with. I have just like so many people, had far too many family and friends effected by this horrible disease. Seeing people you love have to endure such a hard journey is heartbreaking and since I was little I have wanted to work for the organization that has made such a difference in the fight against cancer. ”

Both find continual inspiration and reminded of their initial motivation every time they speak with a survivor, a family member or friend who has lost someone, or team captain.

How do I participate, donate or volunteer? When is the event?
Each center has a website containing a one click button where you can sign up your team or as an individual participant, volunteer, as well as see how fundraising is going. If you live in Fall River, sign up here, Tri-Town/Wareham can sign up here and New Bedford residents can sign up here.

Can’t volunteer or participate, but want to help out in some way? You can donate securely through the New Bedford Relay For Life’s donate page which will even allow you to search for an individual or team to dedicate the donation to. Of course, you can simply just make a general donation.

Want to know the specific day and time a relay starts in your neck of the woods? If your area is not one of these three, any Relay For Life website allows you to simply enter your town and it will list the events closest to you.

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