Relay For Life

In some way or another, every person is connected to cancer.  Whether there is a direct link through a family member or friend, or an indirect association to the disease, everyone knows the cruel effects of this great evil.

William Paterson University will be holding its second annual Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, on April 16-17 at the Recreation Center, with registration beginning at 5 p.m.

            Though many people have an idea of what the Relay for Life is and what goes on at an event, plenty of others do not.  Relay for Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt decided he wanted to help raise money for his American Cancer Society office to show support for his patients by doing what he loved most, running.  At Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, Klatt started his 24 hour event.  With over 300 friends and family in attendance, individuals paid $25 for a half hour to either run or walk with Dr. Klatt.  He ran over 83 miles, and the event raised $27,000. Then in 1986 with the help of Pat Flynn, aka the Mother of Relay, 19 teams took part in the first team Relay event at the historic Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000.  Since then Relays have been held in all 50 states and 19 other countries.

            At WPU, Relay is an overnight fundraising event to honor those fighting, surviving and lost to cancer.  Though most events are held outside, WPU sets up a track inside the Rec Center.  Those participating create or join a team with friends and family, set up “campsites” around the track and have at least one person from their team walking at all times through the night. 

            At the start of Relay, Survivors in attendance kick off the night with the first strides around the track.  Their inspirational steps remind others of the achievements made and the fights won over cancer.  The ceremony shifts into gear as the first lap is completed.  This year’s theme, “A Trip Through Now and Then, To Fight for Cancer’s End,” will have the DJ blasting the speakers with tunes from across the decades.  From Elvis’s Hound Dog to Michael Jackson’s Thriller to Lady Gaga’s Poker Face, the night is sure to be a hit for all ages.  Free food and drinks will be available throughout the night and plenty of activities will be going on to keep everyone active. 

            After dark, Relay turns it down a bit and takes the time to remember loved ones lost.  The Luminara Ceremony is put into effect as the lights dim down and white bags, filled with sand and candles, line the track as the participants only form of light. Each bag bears the name of someone touched by cancer. The music turns to those songs we associate with love and remembrance, and a few laps are taken in silence.  This portion of the night, being very emotional, allows for grievance and the support of friends and family. At the end of the ceremony, the lights will flick back on and the music and mood will begin to swing back into an event full of fun, and memories in the making.

            The Relay for Life goes into the following day to remind us that cancer never sleeps. The essential goal is to be able to put an end to cancer, but the only way to raise enough money to find a cure is if a community joins together to help fundraise.  Register today, either create your own team or join an existing team, by going to www.relayforlife.org/wpunj and take part in this year’s ultimate one-night stand.

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