The American Cancer Society Relay for Life began in 1985 with one man, Dr. Gordy Klatt, in Tacoma, Washington and his passion to raise money in 24 hours for the American Cancer Society. Over the years, it has evolved into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Today, the event has grown to include more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States and communities in 20 other countries coming together to raise awareness and funds to save lives from cancer.

The Relay gives participants a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease. As a lung cancer survivor of six years, I can say this was truly an emotional event. My first Relay as a participant was only an hour after being released from the hospital after my lung was removed. It meant so much to be able to participate in the celebration, support the people still in the fight and remember the ones that had lost the fight. Each year I look forward to supporting this cause so I can make a difference and help end cancer.

Celebrate, remember and fight back are the themes that link each of the Relay events around the world together. I want to personally invite each and every one of you to join your local community for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event and help our communities fight back against this disease. Two notable Relays approaching us will be held on the weekend of Oct. 2-3 in Dana Point and Lake Forest. For more information, please visit http://www.relayforlife.org/danapointca and http://www.relayforlife.org/lakeforestca.

By participating in this event we ensure that those who lost their lives to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. As a cancer survivor I want to thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to seeing you on the track.