In the next two weeks, the western communities will come together during three events to fight cancer — and there’s still time to get involved.
The American Cancer Society’s signature Relay for Life event will be held Saturday, April 6 in Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, and on Saturday, April 13 in The Acreage.
The Relay for Life is an overnight community fundraising walk that celebrates survivors, honors those lost and inspires hope, all while raising money for cancer research and support.
The event began in the mid-1980s in Tacoma, Wash., when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked 24 hours and 83 miles around Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound. Friends donated $25 to run or walk for 30 minutes with him, raising a total $27,000 for the local American Cancer Society office.
The experience sparked a passion in Klatt, and he organized the first team relay event, then called the City of Destiny Classic 24-hour Run Against Cancer.
Today, thousands of relays are held across the United States, raising more than $4.5 billion in 28 years. The event brings out teams who raise money and then walk the track, with one person from each team walking or running around the clock.
The family-friendly event typically passes time with music and festivities, but also pays homage to those who live with cancer every day — from survivors to caregivers. It’s a special event that brings the community together, and the funds raised go to help fund research, to help cancer patients afford accommodations while in treatment, to fund programs to get patients to and from their doctors, and other services.
Fighting cancer is a noble cause, and the Relay for Life an inspiring way to tackle such a somber issue. We encourage the community to go out and support these important local events. Even if you can’t join a team, stop by and have some food, play some games and support the teams’ efforts.
The events in Royal Palm Beach and Wellington will be held at their namesake high schools, while The Acreage event will be held at Acreage Community Park. Wellington kicks off with its opening ceremonies at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, while Royal Palm Beach’s begins at 3 p.m. The Acreage starts its event at noon on Saturday, April 13.
For more information, or to sign up, visit www.relayforlife.org and search for your local event.
