Relay For Life teams are forming to raise money for cancer research.
The 12-hour fundraiser benefits the American Cancer Society. The event is scheduled April 8-9.
“Money raised will go to programs that provide wigs to cancer patients and programs concerned with increasing cancer patients’ quality of life,” said Zack Travers, chairman of the Relay For Life committee.
The American Cancer Society spends funds on cancer research and lobbies to support a legislative agenda to end cancer, such as fighting a bill that would allow children to use tanning beds without parental permission.
Relay For Life began in Tacoma, Wash., with Dr. Gordy Klatt. The surgeon wanted to raise money for his local American Cancer Society office, so he circled a university track for 24 hours.
Friends and family began donating $25 each to walk with him. He ended up raising $27,000, according to the American Cancer Society’s website, cancer.org.
In 1986, Klatt organized a community wide 24-Hour Run Against Cancer that raised more than $33,000. The idea caught on, and the American Cancer Society began to host the 12-hour relay annually, naming it Relay For Life. Currently, more than four million people in 20 countries participate each year at events across the nation, according to American Cancer Society’s website.
So far, there are 11 teams signed up, but the goal for this year is 25 new and returning teams, Travers said.
Teams can be from Greek or student organizations, clubs, schools, or independent groups.
“Teams provide accountability for fundraising goals and attendance at the event, along with making it more fun,” Travers said.
Teams fundraise all year in preparation for the event. Teams can begin fundraising as soon as they form.
Last year, 173 people signed up at OCU’s relay, forming 17 teams. The event raised $21,288. The event lasted from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., four hours shorter than usual to promote involvement and minimize exhaustion.
The relay will return to its traditional 12-hour time frame this year, lasting from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
During the relay, organizations will set up booths selling baked goods and activities to raise more money. Last year, booths featured pillow fights, fortune telling and water balloon tossing.
All events and entertainment will be announced during kick off week, said Emily Diaz, co-chairwoman of the Relay For Life committee.
“Come out. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Diaz said.
To sign up or create a team, go to the Relay For Life website or Facebook page.
Editor’s note: Photo Editor Ali Wonderly is a co-chairwoman of the Relay For Life committee.
Contributing: Lifestyles Editor Sage Tokach
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