What is Relay For Life?
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Founder of Relay
One person can make a difference! In 1985, one man decided he had to do something to stop the endless pain, suffering and loss due to cancer. He decided to raise funds for his local American Cancer Society, by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons. He spent an incredible 24 hours running around a track – a gruelling feat, but representative of what someone fighting cancer endures. He asked for the support of people he knew and raised $27 000 USD.
While he circled the track, he thought about how others could take part. He envisaged a 24 hour team relay event that would raise money for the fight against cancer. Dr. Gordy Klatt’s determination was contagious and the following year he tapped into networks of friends, family and associates to raise funds and Relay For Life was born. No longer a one-man show, Relay For Life events now involve entire communities with a mutual goal to eradicate cancer.
Today, Relay For Life is a recognisable brand worldwide, with 20 countries celebrating the lives saved from cancer; remembering those lost and those fighting back… Relay For Life is the largest cancer engagement and fundraising activity in the world!
CANSA invites you to make a difference in your community by joining your local Relay For Life.
Relay in South Africa
Relay For Life is a unique event that offers everyone in your community the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. It represents the HOPE that all of those lost to cancer will never be forgotten; that those who are fighting cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
Relay For Life embraces entire communities; from the very young to the old. Teams raise funds before and during the Relay and these funds are dedicated to funding CANSA’s unique, integrated service within your community.
Read more about CANSA’s service to those affected by cancer: English | Afrikaans.
Relay For Life has taken South Africa by storm and in the past year 57 communities participated in Relay For Life events across South Africa. This year over 100 communities will participate in this amazing overnight event.
CANSA invites you to make a difference in your community by joining your local CANSA Relay For Life. Click here for a list of CANSA Relay For Life events scheduled to take place around South Africa this year.
Activities at Relay
Relay For Life teams (10 to 15 members) take turns to walk or run around a track for 12 to 24 hours. The goal is to keep one team member on the track at all times, as cancer never sleeps.
Participants enjoy camping-out, entertainment, good food, games and community camaraderie. They all share a common purpose – their desire to help CANSA fight cancer and to support those affected by cancer.
