It's more than a walk around the track. It is a way to celebrate survivors of the disease, honor those lost to it and raise money for those not yet effected by it.
Relay For life began in the mid-1980s when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Washington, a colorectal surgeon, wanted to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office.
He decided to personally raise money for the fight by running marathons.
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt decided to spend 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma
He walked for more than 83 miles throughout the night. His friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer.
While he circled the track those 24 hours, he wondered how others could take part.
He came up with a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he put 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.
Since then the event has grown to more to include more than 4800 communities in a yearly event.
The Grayson County Relay for Life will begin with the annual Survivors walk around the track of the football field.
The motto “Paint the Town Purple” is being spread around the county to help people remember the special events that will take place that Friday beginning at 7 pm.
Area business are being encouraged to gather purple decorations and clothing to “Paint the Town Purple”during relay week (June 18-22nd) to show support for the event.
Team Captains are reminded that bank night is June 18th, at Wilson and Muir Bank, so they can turn in money, pick up t-shirts and get important information.
The Relay board members encourage teams to go to the Centre on the Main and pick out their Campsite early and the Relay board is also asking teams to decorate each site for a holiday.
The theme for the 2007 Relay is “Cancer does not take a holiday”.
All donations for the silent auction are to be brought to Bank Night or to the Relay event with the price value marked.
Survivors are to encouraged to register during Relay Night from 5:00- 6:30 pm.
The Luminaries that line the track are a memorial for those who have been lost the cancer fight and honor those who have survived the disease.
Anyone wishing to purchase a Luminary can do so before the event at Centre on the Main for $5.00 each or they can be purchased at the event for $10.
Luminaries that are purchased before the event can be decorated and brought to the football field.
The Event will last through the night with things like a Karaoke Contest and a PJ Lap and a crazy hat contest.
Bring a tent and spent the night because breakfast will be provided for all those still in attendance.
Reporter
tdunn@gcnewsgazette.com
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