It's time again For ABC Wednesday. If you aren't participating in ABC Wednesday, you are missing out on a lot of fun.
R is for Relay For Life. If you have followed my blog at all, this selection probably doesn't surprise you. I have been involved with Relay for two years now, and we are starting to prepare for Relay 2009.
Relay For Life is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people to:
• Celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
• Remember loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
• Fight Back. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease.
One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office and to show support for all of his patients who had battled cancer. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons.
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He ran for more than 83 miles. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk with Dr. Klatt for 30 minutes. His efforts raised $27,000 to fight cancer.
While circling the track those 24 hours, Dr. Klatt thought about how others could take part in his mission to fight cancer. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Over the next few months, he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event, known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.
In 1986, with the help of Pat Flynn – now known as the “Mother of Relay” – 19 teams took part in the first team Relay event on the track at the historic Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.
In 2009 there will be Relay For Life events in over 5,000 communities. Check and see if you community is one of them, and if it is plan to participate.
I have a blog completely dedicated to Relay For Life. You can check it out at Polk County Relay For Life.
Posts
Useful post !
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I never knew how the Relay was begun.
ReplyDeleteI have memories of the Perryville event in 1996-2002. My pastor friend's wife stopped going to the relay because she herself eventually died of cancer. Support is so important.
A great thing to do. WE have similar events here.
ReplyDeleteGreate choise for the R. Have a nice abc:)
ReplyDeleteGood choise thank you, what a wonderful thing to do, bless you all.
ReplyDeleteBrian
You are doing great things, Richie, mu compliments and respect!
ReplyDeleteTomorrow you can read about your tagging me :)
What a fantastic post. It's so important to raise awareness for everyone about Cancer and what we all can do about it in the ways of raising monies and how important those monies are in research for cures, treatments, education, etc.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this Relay.
I really do understand...
~Michele~
Thank you for being involved in Relay for Life. Cancer touches all of us in so many life changing ways.
ReplyDeleteCancer finally reached my family a few years ago when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, she is fine, but it was a real scare. This is a truly outstanding way to give back to the community and I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteVery worthwile event.
ReplyDeleteow do you add the link back to your post in blogger. I'd like to do that, but on this one clueless.
What an absolutely great post!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great cause,
ReplyDeleteBravo for the great theme and your putting the information out for all to read. Perfect R post.
ReplyDeleteA great cause - and a perfect ABE Wednesday R post. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post to show everyone what "Relay for Life" is all about.
ReplyDeleteThank you for spreading the word on ABC Wednesday.
Bear((( )))
This is a very nice post for the letter R. Well done:) What a great cause!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations:a great post for a great cause!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing event! My partner is struggling with cancer! We live each day in love! I am sure that is our strength
ReplyDeleteHats off to you and yours again for your participation with this worthy cause---appreciated by me, a survivor so far.
ReplyDeleteAnother great choice for ABC!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy meme/tagging is up on my blog :)
ReplyDeleteCome over and read please :)
Congratulations for your choise! Unfortunately everybody has one or two people who are suffering from this nasty disease!
ReplyDeleteOne person can always make a difference : ). You make a difference every day Richard! Thank you for being a blessing in the blogging world!
ReplyDeleteGreat post with a message. Thanks for the reminder of a way to give back. And thanks for sharing a bit of your life.
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday!
Great post for "R" and for life! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA very good choice and very informative.
ReplyDelete