Have You Created Your Relay for Life Team?

Nine teams have signed up so far for the Relay for Life of Eastern Loudoun, which takes place at 2 p.m. May 19 at AOL’s Dulles campus at 22000 AOL Way.

Have you put your team together yet? Relay for Life events raise money to fight cancer and benefit the American Cancer Society. During Relay events, teams of people camp out at a local venue — often a high school, park, or fairground, but in this case AOL — and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays continue overnight and last up to 24 hours. Relayers do not have to walk all night, but each team is asked to have at least one representative on the track at all times during the event.

History of the Event (from the Relay for Life website)

In the mid-80s, 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, 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.

Learn more or register your team at the Relay for Life website.