Friday, June 09, 2006
Relay for life
In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. 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 for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.
While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later 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, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.
One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story I just related, however, to make it even more real, tonight there are family and friends who are walking and lighting luminaries in Amy's honor in several different towns/states in the annual Relay for Life marathon. While Amy has been given an excellent post operative prognosis, many many others haven't. While Pancreatic cancer ranks 4th in cancer releated deaths, it still ranks dead last in the funding it receives for research. If this disturbs you as much as it does Amy and I, PLEASE take a moment and email your Senators and Congressmen, bringing this to their attention and follow your email up with a prayer, after all in John 16:24 it says: 'Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be made complete.'
This is Amy's story as seen and told by me - V
In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.
While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later 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, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.
One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story I just related, however, to make it even more real, tonight there are family and friends who are walking and lighting luminaries in Amy's honor in several different towns/states in the annual Relay for Life marathon. While Amy has been given an excellent post operative prognosis, many many others haven't. While Pancreatic cancer ranks 4th in cancer releated deaths, it still ranks dead last in the funding it receives for research. If this disturbs you as much as it does Amy and I, PLEASE take a moment and email your Senators and Congressmen, bringing this to their attention and follow your email up with a prayer, after all in John 16:24 it says: 'Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be made complete.'
This is Amy's story as seen and told by me - V
# posted by Vince @ 9:24 PM 
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Thank you for writing about the Relay for Life. The Baraboo Relay seems to be getting smaller and smaller every year. However they did meet their goal this year! Praise God! During the luminary ceremony - a was praying for those touched by cancer. Your name was noted and a chill came over me. Thank God -He has another purpose for your life here with us. Maybe it's to bring others closer to him and believe miracles really do happen or maybe to have people care for each other the way they should. This years walk for me wasn't just for a friend who passed away three years ago. It was for a friend who lost her eight year old daughter last weekend. It's for my aunt who is losing the battle. It was for you who is winning the battle. Thank God for giving us YOU, the doctors, and all health care providers! Praise God almighty! Jodi
# posted by 
: 1:58 PM, June 10, 2006
: 1:58 PM, June 10, 2006
Sue-
I did that walk last night in your honor. Chelby and I walked at 3AM this morning. I can only hope that this time next year that you will be able to come home and walk in the survivor lap and I will be front and center cheering you on. It was an amazing experience. I love and miss you tons. Bridge
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I did that walk last night in your honor. Chelby and I walked at 3AM this morning. I can only hope that this time next year that you will be able to come home and walk in the survivor lap and I will be front and center cheering you on. It was an amazing experience. I love and miss you tons. Bridge
# posted by : 9:11 PM, June 10, 2006
: 9:11 PM, June 10, 2006 << Home
