Relay for Life

Each year Bulloch County residents join together to help fight cancer during Relay for Life. This year is no different. So far more than 60 teams have signed up to walk in the all-night event. Georgia Southern has about 20 teams that will take part this year. The event will take place April 20 and 21 at the Kwanis fairgrounds. Each team will walk from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Last year Bulloch County was fifth in the nation with the most money raised. The Alpha Delta Pi sorority has raised more than $13,000 in previous years and they hope to raise at least $10,000 this year. The event is open to the public for both teams and individuals. The goal is to help raise money to find a cure for cancer. All proceeds go directly to the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life got its start in Tacoma, Washington in the mid 1980s Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to rasise the money by running marathons. In 1985, Klatt circled the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Friends paid $25 to run or walk with him for 30 minutes. He raised $25,000 to fight cancer. He started thinking about how other people could join in and raise more money to fight cancer and Relay for Life was born!

I have never taken part in Relay for Life but I remember when people in my hometown used to do it. I think this is a great way for people who have or are in remission from cancer, and people who have lost loved ones to this horrible disease to work together to raise money to find a cure. Hopefully, someday soon we will find one!

The GSU team's next meeting is February 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Russell Union!