Relay for Life

What is Relay For Life?

Relay For Life is a celebration of life in honor of those touched by cancer. Relay For Life also raises funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs of research, education, advocacy and service – programs that can reduce cancer deaths and cancer incidence, and improve the quality of life for those touched by cancer.

Relay For Life began in 1985. Dr. Gordon Klatt, an oncologist in Tacoma Washington, wanted to make a difference in the lives of his cancer patients. Dr. Klatt’s idea was to run laps around a track for 24 hours and raise funds. He raised $27,000 and donated the money to the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay For Life has grown to become the American Cancer Society’s national signature activity. In 2007, over 4,800 Relay For Life events were held throughout the United States and raised just over $400 million. More than 3 million people participated and over 500,000 cancer survivors walked the opening lap. In Florida we grew to 329 events, had more than 100,000 participants and more than 19,000 survivors walking the opening laps of our community events. Almost $22 million was raised in the fight against cancer in Florida alone. Relay For Life is the largest fundraising event in the United States. It has also grown to nineteen other countries outside of the United States.

Relay For Life is a true community event where people of all ages and from all walks of life come together for a common cause. We walk, jog or run relay style around the tracks or pathways at school or community football fields, fairgrounds and parks for eighteen hours. Friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, faith based organizations, service clubs and other organizations organize teams of 10-15 people.

Food, fun and camaraderie are part of the Relay For Life experience. There is the opening ceremony and first lap called our ‘victory lap’. We cheer on our local cancer survivors, our friends, family and co-workers who have survived cancer. There is also a more solemn aspect of the event during the Luminaria ceremony. This is an emotional candle-lighting ceremony to honor those who have survived cancer and to remember those who have not. This powerful ceremony ties participants personally to the cause of fighting cancer. Relay For Life is about a community taking up the fight.

Relay For Life – it’s all about providing Hope for the future, Progress towards a cure, and Answers to cancer questions.

One Community, One Mission, One Fight!

For more information about Relay For Life or how to become involved,

please contact Judith McCall at (386)304-9925 or Nancy Carr at (386)761-3107.