The “Cancer Avengers” team poses for a group shot during last year’s Relay For Life fundraising event. Teams can dress up in costumes, adding more fun to the event.
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran around a track in Tacoma, Wash., for 24 hours straight for a total of 83 miles. His efforts helped to raise $27 thousand for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer and started the event that has become Relay for Life. Continuing with this tradition, the University of Wyoming will be hosting its Relay for Life event Friday.
Relay for Life seeks to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those who have lost their fight, and fight back with those currently battling the disease so no one has to fear the words ‘you have cancer’ again.
Survivors and their caregivers will be honored at the event during the Survivor Lap and throughout the event. This powerful lap shows the hope that Relay for Life strives and stirs the fire in the Relayers.
The opening ceremony for UW’s Relay for Life will commence at 7 p.m. Friday and the event will continue until 8 a.m. Saturday when the closing ceremony will end the event. This year’s theme, “Hope through the Decades,” has helped double the number of participants on campus. There are currently 35 teams with over 400 participants registered for the event.
“This event is going to be bigger than last year and we are really going to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Taler Steir, co-event chair for UW’s Relay. “The fact that the event is getting bigger is our main focus. We want people to want to be at and compete with each other for fundraising. We wanted to bring this Relay up as much as we could. We also have a lot of fun events planned.”
These events, scattered throughout the night, keep Relayers excited and engaged. The planned events include: minute to win it, yoga, basketball and volleyball, a scavenger hunt and the ever-popular Mr. Relay.
Mr. Relay allows the men participating in Relay to get in touch with their feminine side by dressing up in their finest dresses. They have one hour to raise the most money at the competition. The competitor who raises the most will be crowned Mr. Relay for that year’s Relay.
The Luminaria ceremony, a traditional ceremony at all Relays, will take place at 10 p.m. Those who have lost a loved one can purchase a luminaria that will be illuminated during the night and shine in the memory of those who lost their battle or in honor of those who have won. Relayers will walk laps in silence as they remember those who have passed on as names are read over the speakers.
Participants have returned year after year to the event and, with a focus on team retention, more teams are returning to Relay this year.
For more information on UW Relay for Life or to register your team, go to uwyorelay.org.
