The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runner, decided to raise money for his local American Cancer Society by doing something he enjoyed - running marathons. He spent 24 hours circling the University of Puget Sound's Baker Stadium track - traveling a total distance of more than 83 miles and raising an amazing $27,000 in the fight against cancer. Following the event, Dr. Klatt realized that a 24- hour team event could raise even more money, so he organized a committee to plan for the following year. In 1986, 19 teams composed of 220 supporters raised $33,000, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was born.

This year three million Relay For Life participants in 4,200 communities in the United States (and eight foreign countries) will raise millions of dollars to fuel the American Cancer Society's mission. What began as one man's statement in the fight against cancer has led to the development of a worldwide event to help eliminate cancer.

Relay For Life is an overnight event consisting of teams of 8-15 people spending 12-24 hours walking or running around a track to raise money to fight cancer. It's a relay, with at least one member of each team on the track during the entire event. However, much of the time is spent listening to music, camping out, and participating in a variety of family and cancer awareness activities. Most of all, you enjoy the company of friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers.

Relay For Life celebrates survivors, funds research and cancer education, inspires the public to become involved in the American Cancer Society's advocacy efforts, and makes important services possible for patients and their families.

Two highlights of the Relay For life are the survivorship activities and the luminaria program, each acknowledging those who have been touched by cancer. Survivors are honored and celebrated at every relay, with activates which include an opening survivors lap around the track. Many Relays include caregivers during this special time as well. Luminarias - lit votive candles in paper bags - are purchased both before and during the relay. The Luminarias, in memory or in honor of someone who has been touched by cancer, are then placed around the track and lit during an emotional program.

Here are just a few examples:

• Finding a cure - To date, the American Cancer Society has spent more than $2.5 billion on research. That research has led to advances such as the Pap test, the bone marrow transplant, and drugs such as Tamoxifen and Gleevec, which have positively affected and even saved the lives of many people with cancer.
• Spreading the word - Volunteers educate their neighbors about cancer prevention and early detection; two things that save lives.
• Calling for change - American Cancer Society volunteer advocates work tirelessly with elected officials to make cancer issues a priority. Their work has helped expand Medicare benefits for cancer screenings and get clinical trial coverage legislation passed in 16 states.
• Lending support - For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, knowing the facts and having the resources to get through treatment and recovery are essential. The American Cancer Society is available to help anytime, day or night. Last year more than one million people got help by phone, and 400,000 people used the American Cancer Society's Web site, www.cancer.org, each month.