WHAT IS RELAY?

On April 25 and 26, 2009, John Carroll University will host its Third Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event. The event will take place on campus beginning at 3:00 PM on Saturday the 25th and will conclude 18 hours later on Sunday morning at 9:00 AM. It is our hope that you will find this information helpful and we invite you to participate in this wonderful community event as a team member, volunteer, or cancer survivor.

"The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents our hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated."

RELAY FOR LIFE IS THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S SIGNATURE EVENT.
It is a unique community fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches, and community volunteers, to participate in the fight against cancer.

TEAM PARTICIPATION
Because Relay For Life is a community gathering rather than an athletic event, anyone and everyone can participate. It offers everyone in a community a chance to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event, symbolic of the fact that cancer NEVER sleeps. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length. Friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, churches, and other organizations form teams with 10-15 people. Team members share a common purpose -- to support the American Cancer Society's mission.

HOW DID RELAY BEGIN?
Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runniner, started Relay For Life in May 1985, as he took the first step of his 24-hour walk/run around a track in Tacoma, Washington. He clocked 83 miles, raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 220 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt in his overnight event, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was born. Relay reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer, and that everyone who participates is making a difference!

CEREMONIES
The Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors take a ceremonial first lap. Cancer Survivors from all over the community are encouraged to join us in a celebration of their victory. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. The luminaria ceremony is another highlight of the event. This ceremony is held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle against cancer. These luminaria line the track/path and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contribution.

IT'S FUN!
The Relay For Life provides live entertainment, contests, karaoke, children's games, and more! Teams bring tents, food, games, coolers, and supplies needed to enjoy the party with a purpose.

Read more about the Relay as an overnight event.