Relay For Life started in the USA in May 1985 when Dr Gordy Klatt wanted to raise awareness of cancer and boost the income of his local cancer charity.
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Dr Klatt spent a gruelling twenty-four hours circulating a track in Tacoma, Washington, and raised over US$27,000, and showed that one person really can make a difference.
Since then, Relay For Life has become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the world. Celebrated by more than four million people in over 20 countries, this inspirational event empowers and unites local communities to fight cancer.
Relay For Life began in Australia in 1999 and since then has spread throughout Australia.
Relay is a fun and moving experience that raises vital funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.
Relay started as an overnight event, but some communities have now opted to stage a 12-hour event as we now have in Cessnock.
Relay is a chance for our community to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome cancer or are undergoing treatment, as well as the people who care for them.
Relay also provides an opportunity to remember and celebrate the memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Money raised is also used in some communities to help provide transport to treatment for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
And Relay also provides the chance to raise money for vital research into cancer.
Some of the ways that the money raised at a local Relay For Life is used:
- $5 can help give a newly-diagnosed cancer patient important support and information resources to help them through their cancer journey.
- $10 can help offer free exercise programs that assist cancer patients in building strength and fitness during and after treatment.
So don’t forget to register for Relay For Life in Cessnock on October 14 at 10am at Baddeley Park. Just go to cessnockrelay.com to register as a participant or a survivor or carer.