Celebrating 40 Years of Relay For Life

In May, 1985, Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society with the nation’s biggest health concern: cancer. Friends, family, and patients watched and supported him as he walked and ran more than 83.6 miles and raised $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer. The following year, the first Relay For Life team event was held in Tacoma, Washington with 19 teams participating.
Today, Relay For Life has grown beyond just an annual event; it’s a global phenomenon and the world’s largest community fundraising event. Relay events take place in over 35 countries and have raised $7 billion since 1985. Funds raised through Relay events directly support research, education, advocacy, and services for people with cancer and their families.
By funding and conducting research, ACS has helped to create a world where cancer mortality has declined 33% since 1991, when the cancer death rate was at its peak, resulting in 3.8 million deaths averted.
This year, we celebrate 40 years of Relay, honor its legacy, and acknowledge the life-changing progress it has facilitated. We recognize the hard work of ACS volunteers and the countless lives that have been transformed through their tireless efforts.
Santa Clarita will hold its Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley on May 3rd at Central Park. This year’s theme is Hope Through the Decades to honor the 40th anniversary of Relay For Life as a national program. It’s not too early to join a team, create a team or make a donation. Visit www.SCVRelay.org for more details and a calendar of upcoming fundraisers and events.
Relay has touched lives across the world. Be a part of the global community of passionate supporters working to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to become a local sponsor for this year’s Relay, please contact abby.smith@cancer.org.
To learn more about cancer research, resources, and ACS support services, including the live 24/7 helpline, visit www.cancer.org or call toll-free 800-227-2345.