(NORTH PLATTE)    In the mid-1980s, 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, running more than 83 miles. While circling the track those 24 hours, Dr. Klatt thought about how others could take part in his mission to fight cancer. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer.

 

The vision turned into Relay For Life with over 5,200 events in the United States and has raised more than $4.5 billion to save lives.  For 28 years, Relay For Life has provided inspiration and hope for millions of cancer survivors and caregivers.

 

This year above all, Dr. Klatt holds a special place in all of our hearts.  In Spring 2012, Dr. Klatt, the founder of the Relay for Life, was diagnosed with stomach cancer, proving that cancer does not discriminate. 

 

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in the community a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

 

At Relay for Life of Lincoln County teams of people camp out at Adam Middle School and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. Relayers do not have to walk all night, but each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

 

Because it’s a Relay, you’re not required to be there the entire time…but it’s so much fun, you’ll probably find it hard to leave!

 

To form a team of 2 or more people, for this year’s annual Relay for Life of Lincoln County, to be held Saturday, August 4^th atAdams Middle School, log on to www.relayforlife.org/lincolncone.  Friends, families, co-workers…even stranger can come together to help celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer.

 

For more information on ways to get involved in “the Relay” from volunteering, forming a team, hosting a fundraiser or a sponsorship contact Kirsten Parker at (308) 539-3546.