One person can make a difference. 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.
Gordy spent a grueling 24 hours circling the University of Puget Soundtrack. Friends, family, and patients watched and supported him as he walked, ran more than 83.6 miles, and raised $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer. As he circled the track, he thought of how he could get others to take part. He envisioned having teams participate in a 24-hour fundraising event. Nineteen teams were part of the first Relay For Life event at the historical Stadium Bowl the following year and raised $33,000.
After battling stomach cancer, Gordy passed away from heart failure on August 3, 2014, at 71. But his legacy lives on. He shaped an idea that started as one man walking and running a track and helped turn it into a global fundraising phenomenon.
The Relay For Life movement is dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. Through funds donated, time given, or awareness raised, our communities are teaming up - virtually or in person - to make a difference. We can accomplish anything when we rally together in the fight against cancer.
Whether your Relay event is in-person, drive-by, or virtual, you’ll see Luminaria – homemade paper lanterns – decorated with the names of loved ones. Each Luminaria is in honor or remembrance of a life touched by cancer, accompanied by a moment of silence for those we’ve lost. When you donate Luminaria, it helps the American Cancer Society continue to fight cancer on all fronts.
For donations, scan the QR code below.
