The Shadow
Relay For Life of Alleghany 2023, part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement, has been scheduled to be held at the Jackson River Sports Complex in Covington on Aug. 5.
Andra Fridley, who helps spearhead the event in the Alleghany Highlands, has announced that the first organizational meeting will be held at Bella Pizza in Clifton Forge on Valentine’s Day at 6:00 p.m., on Tues., Feb. 14.
In a released statement, she noted, “Themes and activities will be discussed and decided (at the meeting).”
She also revealed, “Anyone and everyone who is interested is invited and welcome to attend the meetings (that will be held the second Tues. of each month at Bella Pizza) to help plan the event or get information on setting up a team and fundraising.”
On Jan. 12, the American Cancer Society (ACS) released statistics for 2022 that indicate that the overall cancer mortality has dropped 33% since 1991, averting an estimated 3.8 million cancer deaths.
Based on ACS data in 2023, there are projected to be 1,958,310 new cancer cases that will likely result in 609,820 cancer deaths in the US.
The reduction in cancer deaths during the past decade according to the ACS is due to substantial changes in cancer prevention and screening.
How did the American Cancer Society Relay For Life create the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer?
It all started in May of 1985 when Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington to raise funds via securing pledges.
His 24 hours of circling the track at the University of Puget Sound resulted in more than 83.6 miles logged, and Klatt raised $27,000 via pledges.
By the next year, he had inspired 19 teams to participate in the fundraising activity which became the first Relay For Life event. It took place at the historical Stadium Bowl, and $33,000 was raised to fight cancer.
Funds raised via Relay For Life are donated to the American Cancer Society, and the money received is used in several ways, including cancer research, driving patients to cancer centers for treatment and awareness programs to encourage people to access lifesaving screenings.
Each year more than four million people in 20 countries participate in Relay For Life fundraisers.
The 2022 Relay For Life of Alleghany raised $26,000 via 11 teams participating, and 75 participants and 16 cancer survivors were honored.
Other activities were held on the day of the event such as a car show and games for children and adults.
A silent auction was incorporated with the event along with a Basket Alley. The baskets are taken to area banks and the YMCA where tickets are sold. The day of the relay, tickets for the baskets are sold on-site, and the winning tickets are drawn.
Culminating the event is the colorful and meaningful Luminaria Ceremony designed to honor those who have passed away from cancer and those who are fighting to recover from cancer.
Luminarias, small paper bags that hold a candle and have names of survivors or deceased patients written on them, are sold to add to the funds raised.
Each candle is lit after twilight, creating a glowing circle of honor for those lost while symbolizing the hope of saving lives.
Fridley is hopeful that the first lap for Relay For Life, which is always the Survivors’ Lap that honors those battling cancer and those who have survived it, will be well attended in Aug.
Andra B. Mundy serves as the event chair, and she can be reached at agbritt24085@yahoo.com.
Fridley, who is in charge of advertising, can be contacted at alf7va@aol.com.
As for Dr. Klatt, the founder of Relay For Life, he passed away from heart failure on Aug. 3, 2014, at age 71, having proven that one life can make a positive impact on the lives of millions.
