One Person Can Make a Difference

Relay For Life La Jolla is this Saturday at La Jolla High School and the committee is currently looking for volunteers to help staff the event. Day of volunteer shifts include helping with event set up, staffing a registration table and staffing the snack bar. Please contact relayforlifelajolla@gmail.com.

Relay For Life is evidence that one person truly can make a difference. The story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, 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.

Come and celebrate the Relay for Life this Saturday with us, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or visit RelayForLife.org/LaJollaCA to register.