American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life speeds to IIT this Friday

For the first time in IIT history, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the surrounding community will come together to participate in a Relay for Life event. The event, which will happen on Friday, April 20 on the Quad from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., is one of the most successful fundraising events in the world, coordinated through the American Cancer Society. Team members take turns in the Relay, where at least one team member must walk, jog or run around the track throughout the duration of the event. Teams fundraise prior to the event and on site, with all money going to the American Cancer Society’s mission to fund research, Road to Recovery, Hope Lodge, and other programs for those who are, or have been, affected by cancer.

Relay for Life started in May of 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office and to show support for all of his patients who had battled cancer. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons. Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He ran for more than 83 miles. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk with Dr. Klatt for 30 minutes. His efforts raised $27,000 to fight cancer. (source www.relayforlife.org, "What is Relay for Life?")

In 1985 one man made a huge leap in helping to fund the American Cancer Society’s mission to make the lives of those battling cancer a little easier, a little more comfortable, and a little more hopeful. Now, more than 20 years later, members of the IIT community have the same chance to make ground breaking strides to help support the American Cancer Society and make a long lasting tradition at IIT.

Please visit www.relayforlife.org/iitil or contact Melanie Koto at mkoto@hawk.iit.edu for more information or to become involved. Ways to get involved include:

• Signing up as a participant, survivor or caregiver
• Donating to a friend who's participating or to IIT's event in general
• Purchasing a Luminaria to celebrate or remember a friend or family member who has endured the fight against cancer

Even though the event is three days away, it is not too late to participate!