Published: April 04, 2009 08:58 pm      

Relay for Life: a special event for special people

Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer in one way or another.

For Pat Dean, the second year event chairperson for the Newton Relay for Life fundraising campaign, it was her sister who in 2000 succumbed to colon cancer. Dean lost her best friend to the disease and it is in her honor Dean has been a part of the American Cancer Society's event held worldwide.

"She was my buddy," said Dean. "So many people are affected by cancer. It has a definite ripple effect through many lives."

This year's goal for Newton will be $65,000. Dean admitted that amount didn't seem like much but with the state of the economy it would be a major challenge to reach that mark. But at the same time she said there are many Newton County industries, businesses, churches, schools and other organization that are currently working hard to reach or even surpass that goal.

"We won't know exactly where we are until we have Bank Night," said Dean. "That is where many of those groups who are raising money deposit their funds in the bank. Then we'll know where we stand."

More than 4,800 Relays will be held nationwide during a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities to help fund research to fight cancer. In 2007, Relay For Life raised over $405 million.

Much more than a walk around a track, Relay is a time to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those lost and get inspired to fight back. Those who have shared the same experience find common ground, hope and healing at Relay.

"Our night is held at the East Central Community College campus in Decatur," said Dean. "It has the track, the restroom facilities, a pavilion and other space for people to set up their tents. It will be a very fun evening."

A talent contest will be just one of the highlights of the evening. Beginning at 1 p.m. and running through 3 p.m., local talent will be on display at the event scheduled to be held Saturday, May 2. There are still more slots available for anyone wishing to participate in the talent show. Dean said Katrina Tingle is the contact person. She can be reached at 601-616-2332.

Dean said she has always been struck by how giving people are especially when a good cause is being touted. She pointed to the fact so many benefit from the money raised for cancer research while at the same time many of those who have fought and overcome cancer gather at these events to celebrate their triumphs.

"We have approximately two hundred cancer survivors in Newton County," Dean said. "The event does quickly turn into a big party but at the same time we are remembering those who didn't survive. It is a solemn time as well."

The birth of Relay for Life is a great example of how just one person can make a difference in the lives of many.

The origins of Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer in the mid-1980s, is attributed to Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon. Klatt 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.

Since then thousands of communities from across the nation and overseas have taken part in Relay for Life. Many of those people, such as Dean, have a personal connection with the event.

"It is a very worthy cause for anyone even if they haven't lost someone to cancer," Dean said. "But for me it is personal."