You’ve probably seen the purple and white yard signs for Relay for Life and wondered what the events are all about.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)’s Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to end cancer. The all-night walkathons sponsored by the ACS unite communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and raise money to fight the disease.
During Relay events, teams camp out around a track and members take turns walking the track. The fun-filled evenings include food, games and activities in a family-friendly environment. Although events vary by location, each includes keystone events including a Survivors Lap, in which cancer survivors take the first lap around the track to celebrate their victory over the disease, a Luminaria Ceremony to honor those who have fought or continue to fight cancer, and a Fight Back Ceremony, which inspires participants to take action against cancer.
Relay traces its roots to 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, an oncologist in Tacoma, Wash., walked and ran around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the ACS. A year later 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since then, Relay has grown into a worldwide movement that has raised nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.
Upcoming Relay events in the area include:
- Relay for Life of Kenton County: Thomas More College, Crestview Hills, KY, Saturday, June 11
- Relay for Life of Pendleton County: Shelby St ., Downtown Falmouth, KY, Saturday June 11
- Relay for Life of Dearborn County: South Dearborn High School, Aurora, IN, Saturday June 11
- Relay for Life of Boone County: Boone County Extension Center, Burlington KY, June 18
Last year, Relay for Life events in Northern Kentucky alone raised $260,000 for the fight against cancer, says Alex Carson, who manages Relay events in the region. “It’s pretty amazing to be involved in that. Relay for Life really is about mobilizing every community and giving everybody a chance to fight back against cancer.”
For a more complete list of events or to get involved with a Relay event as a donor or participant, please click here.
