Once every year at Grand Valley State University, students, faculty and members of the surrounding community unite to walk for twelve hours, from sunset to dawn. Together, they become a reminder to anyone who has ever felt the pain of cancer in their lives, that they are not alone in their fight, and that someone celebrates their life. This event, Relay for Life, creates an unparalleled environment for community involvement at Grand Valley and, for one night brings people together to make a difference in the world by helping find a cure for cancer.
Relay for Life has not always been the grand, community encompassing event it has become today. In a 2014 news article by Stacia Glenn and Alexis Krell, staff writers for The News Tribune, it is said that Relay for Life was created in the United States, 33 years ago in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a surgeon, wanted to raise awareness for cancer and boost the proceeds that go to his local cancer charity. For twenty-four hours, Dr. Klatt traveled around a track in Tacoma, Washington, running for more than 83 miles, which in the end, resulted in him raising over $27,000 (Glenn). I believe that Dr. Klatt’s …show more content…
Klatt’s inspiration and drive to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, Relay for Life has become an important community event at Grand Valley State University that unites those who have been affected by cancer. Kara Haight author of a 2013 article published in the Grand Valley State University Lanthorn, the university’s campus newspaper, says that in 2001, Grand Valley’s Colleges Against Cancer organization hosted the very first Relay for Life at GVSU. Since this first event, Colleges Against Cancer at Grand Valley has continued to plan and host this event every single year on the university’s campus. The university’s annual Relay for Life does not just involve students and faculty; Relay for Life at GVSU is a community wide event that includes the entire campus and the surrounding town of
Relay for Life has not always been the grand, community encompassing event it has become today. In a 2014 news article by Stacia Glenn and Alexis Krell, staff writers for The News Tribune, it is said that Relay for Life was created in the United States, 33 years ago in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a surgeon, wanted to raise awareness for cancer and boost the proceeds that go to his local cancer charity. For twenty-four hours, Dr. Klatt traveled around a track in Tacoma, Washington, running for more than 83 miles, which in the end, resulted in him raising over $27,000 (Glenn). I believe that Dr. Klatt’s …show more content…
Klatt’s inspiration and drive to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, Relay for Life has become an important community event at Grand Valley State University that unites those who have been affected by cancer. Kara Haight author of a 2013 article published in the Grand Valley State University Lanthorn, the university’s campus newspaper, says that in 2001, Grand Valley’s Colleges Against Cancer organization hosted the very first Relay for Life at GVSU. Since this first event, Colleges Against Cancer at Grand Valley has continued to plan and host this event every single year on the university’s campus. The university’s annual Relay for Life does not just involve students and faculty; Relay for Life at GVSU is a community wide event that includes the entire campus and the surrounding town of