To continue our community focus this month on the Relay For Life I will be explaining the history of Relay For Life and how it became an extremely successful and popular fundraising event around the country. You might be looking at the word history and think to yourself “boring” however, this story is an inspiring story of one man who made a difference in the world and we can all learn from him.
For 28 years, Relay For Life has provided inspiration and hope for millions of cancer survivors and caregivers and it all started with one person. Just one person can make a difference in this world, no matter who you are. Dr. Gordy Klatt proved that to be true. In the mid-1980’s Dr. Klatt who was a colorectal surgeon in Washington, Tacoma, wanted to somehow raise money for his local American Cancer Society office. There were not any programs or fundraisers set up at the time so he decided to take action and personally raise money for the fight against cancer.
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt decided to spend 24 hours walking and running the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He spread the word to his friends, family and local community members about what he was doing. During the night people donated $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him on the track. The very first year almost 300 of his friends, family and patients watched him as he ran and walked the course. He also raised $27,000.
During Dr. Klatts 83 miles of walking the course, he thought to himself how others could take part. He pictured a 24 hour team relay event to raise more money to fight cancer. Later that year, he spread the word about his idea and created a small committee to plan the fist team relay event, first known as the “City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer”. In the first relay event 19 teams participated and raised $33,000. An incredible spirit was shown throughout the entire event from the people and it as a huge success.
Dr. Klatt’s vision turned into over 5,200 Relay For Life events across the Unites States and nearly $5 billion in fundraising to save lives from cancer. Also, the American Cancer Society licenses 20 non-governmental cancer organizations in other countries to hold Relay For Life events to help battle cancer across the globe.
In 2012, Dr. Klatt was diagnosed with stomach cancer and unfortunately he is still battling cancer. In 2012 he was also awarded the 2012 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the University of St. Thomas. We should all take away a special message from Dr. Klatt. When he started the fundraising, he did not have cancer himself but he wanted to make a difference. If he never moved forward with his visions the American Cancer Society would not be where they are today.
Check out the video below of Dr. Gordy Klatt explaining about his experiences with starting the Relay For Life.
