Relay Hopes to Top 2007

Published 9-20-07
http://www.doaneline.com/2.7185/relay-hopes-to-top-2007-1.761518

Grab your friends and head for Perry Campus Center, because today marks the kickoff of Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and the money raised from this event goes towards research to help prevent, detect and treat cancer. The kickoff meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall.

"I first became involved in Relay for Life when I was a freshman," said senior Michelle Goertzen, chair of this year's event, said. "Cancer is a disease that affects everyone in one way or another and everyone can help in the search for a cure. I love the satisfaction of knowing the work you are doing is making a difference."

While the actual Relay won't happen until April 11, the first meeting isn't one to miss. Anyone who wants to learn more about the Relay will be able to get information and students may also sign up to serve on a committee.

Relay for Life began in 1985 in Tacoma, Wa., with Dr. Gordy Klatt, a surgeon who wanted to help raise money for a local American Cancer Society office. He circled a track for 24 hours and more than 83 miles. Klatt's friends would pay $25 to either walk or run with him for 30 minutes. That year, he raised around $27,000.

Relay for Life now promotes more than 4,800 relays nationwide.

According to the Relay for Life Web site, "Teams of eight to 15 members gather with tents and sleeping bags with the goal of keeping a person on the track at all times."

While the actual Relay only happens once a year, there are fundraising and advocacy events throughout the year that lead up to the main event.

Since 2001, Doane has hosted Relay for Life. At the April 2007 Relay, the goal was $45,000. The 424 participants easily surpassed that goal, raising more than $62,000.

Doane would like to do even better this year.

"Doane students and faculty as a whole are exceptional," Lincoln Community Manager for the American Cancer Society Ronda Bruns said on Doane's Web site. "They are willing to work with anything and are always willing to step up to the plate." "We have had excellent student and faculty involvement in the past and I would like that to continue to grow," Goertzen said. "I'd also like to see more community members at the event. We're really going to focus on getting Saline County community members involved more."

Anyone interested in joining Relay for Life should contact Goertzen by e-mail at michelle.goertzen@doane.edu.