McKinney Texas - Relay For Life

01 Aug 2008

McKinney Relay for Life Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Related Links •  Online Registration   •  American Cancer Society Home Page

Relay Event FAQ's | Team Captain FAQ's 

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community- based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Relay Event FAQ's

What is Relay for Life?

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity. It offers everyone in a community a chance to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

Because Relay For Life is a community gathering rather than an athletic event, anyone and everyone can participate. Teams form from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches, schools, and service organizations. Team members share a common purpose — to support the American Cancer Society’s mission.

Relay For Life also raises funds. Teams solicit donations, have garage sales, hold car washes, and more. If you need more help or have any other questions about Relay For Life, contact your local ACS office or call 1-800-ACS-2245.  

How does it Work?

Relay For Life is a community activity, not an athletic event, so anyone and everyone can participate.  It’s a team event in which teams of 8-15 people representing various local businesses, civic groups, social organizations, schools, church groups and families compete against each other to travel the most miles and raise the most money.  This is an all night event and teams camp out at this year at Craig Ranch and take turns walking or running around the track.  Each team member is asked to raise a specific amount of money prior to the event.  Incentive prizes are offered for those raising the most money.  While the Relay is in progress, a community party atmosphere is created in a nearby ‘tent city’ with entertainment, food, games and camaraderie.  There is a pajama contest, pizza party and other fun activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the event.

Who Participates?

Teams are organized by friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, churches, service clubs and other organizations. Anyone can participate. Each team has between 8 to 15 members who commit to raise $100. They also agree to keep one member walking on the track at all times during the relay.

What makes it Special?

Cancer survivors kick-off the Relay with a Survivors Lap.  After sundown, a Luminaria Ceremony is held in which candles are lit in decorated bags to honor those that have survived cancer and memorialize those who have lost their battle to cancer.  A moment of silence and special music will conclude this Ceremony.   The Relay closes the next day with a Victory Lap for all participants.

How did Relay Begin?

In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon and avid runner, took the first step of his 24-hour walk/run around a track in Tacoma, Washington. He clocked 83 miles, raising $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The following year, 210 supporters on 19 teams joined Dr. Klatt in this overnight event, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life was born.

Over the last 18 years, Relay For Life has spread to 3,800 communities in the United States and eight foreign countries. What began as one man’s statement in the fight against cancer has led to the development of a worldwide event to help banish cancer.  

How is Cancer Awareness Raised?

The American Cancer Society provides information about the latest research and cancer control activities, patient service programs, and other local events.  Cancer survivors remind everyone that cancer is not always a death sentence; their testimonies provide a way for the public to become aware of the strength and courage that cancer patients have.  

How Successful is it?

Many cancer patients and their families in the McKinney community receive programs and services as a direct result of funds raised through Relay For Life.  Some of these services include early detection and prevention education, transportation to and from medical treatment, patient-to-patient visitation, breast prostheses, wigs and medical equipment.