Almost 30 years ago, a man decided to pick a fight with one of the world’s most devastating health issues. That man was Dr. Gordy Klatt.

In 1985, Klatt ran and walked around a track near his home in Tacoma, Washington, and raised $27,000 for his local American Cancer Society. While circling the track, Klatt dreamt about the impact others could make in the fight.

With the help of his family and friends, he organized what is now known as Relay for Life. On March 8 – 9 Timberwolves, Jaguars and Tigers teamed up together to join in that fight against cancer.

Junior Committee Chair, Connor Davis is just one of many students working behind-the-scenes for this year’s Relay.

“This year, communication has been our biggest challenge,” he said. “But we have been able to work through it and work well with the other schools.”

This year, Southwest has more than doubled the number of teams participating. With more overall participation, organizers are not only looking forward to the impact they will make in the fight against cancer, but also the bond they build with other students in an all-night relay.

“It’s probably the only event that really combines all three schools and makes us work together,” Blue Valley High Relay co-chair senior Jason Entgelmeier said. ”There’s always stereotypes about the other schools. [It] makes you realize students from other schools are normal people.”

It’s this bond that allows the Blue Valley Youth Relay to yield so much success. As a result the Division Youth and Youth Adult Work Group will be in attendance.

Each high school takes responsibility for a portion of the night, as well as organizing different committees. High has prepared the opening ceremony to kick-start the relay, while Blue Valley West has prepared a “fight back” ceremony to rally the relayers on their opportunity to make a difference.

Southwest has prepared a “Luminaria ceremony” to honor those who have lost their fight, or those who are continuing their fight against cancer. It’s a special part of the evening, as it allows participants to remember the loved ones whom they are fighting for.

Senior co-chair Michael Dula, who has overcome thyroid cancer, has been working closely with the Luminaria committee.

“I’ve been working with the Luminaria committee, writing the scripts and preparing a surprise to make the ceremony even more special than before,” Dula said.

The committees that have been established within each high school allow the work to be distributed as evenly as possible. In preparation for Relay, many different committee meetings were held throughout the year.

“My favorite part about Relay is the fact that everyone comes together for one central reason,” junior food committee member Nick Edwards said. “To raise awareness and money to fight cancer.”

Junior team captain and cancer survivor Jake Louis has organized a group of his friends to relay throughout the night with him.

“‘No child should die in the dawn of life.’ Danny Thomas, founder of St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital said that, and that’s why I want to give back,” Louis said. “As much as I can give back to kids like me, to save lives, then I am doing something right. That is why I relay.”

Relay is more than just a fundraiser. It is a fight.

“My hope is that all those who participate in the event can truly see what a difference they are making in the fight against cancer,” Community Manager Income Development Lauren Lineweber said.

At any moment, it can strike, its weight felt and carried by loved ones of the diagnosed. Cancer doesn’t choose its victims based on gender, age, color or creed.  But anyone can chose to make a difference.

To learn more, visit relayforlife.org.

Facts and Figures

• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America
• Relay for Life is the largest annual non-profit fundraising event in the world.
• In 2007, nearly 4,700 communities held Relay for Life events in the U.S.
• The American Cancer Society fights cancer on four fronts: Research, Education, Advocacy and Service
  *Information courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and the American Cancer Society