Wright State to fight back against cancer at Relay for Life

Students will circle the Quad overnight to raise money for cancer research.

It all started with one man. In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 continuous hours around a track in Tacoma, Wash., ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight back against one of the most widespread diseases—cancer.

Since then, Relay for Life has become a worldwide movement that has generated billions of dollars for cancer research, prevention and advocacy. On Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12, Wright State will again hold its own Relay for Life event, bringing the Dayton community together to fight back against cancer.

(L-R) Gay and George Frey, Wright State's director of the division of professional development, and Bob Frey (retired Wright State employee) and wife Barb Frey at Relay for Life 2012.

Relay for Life will begin on the Quad at Wright State at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and run until noon on Saturday, April 12. Teams will walk for 18 hours to raise money for cancer research.

From the survivors’ walk to the luminaria and to an all-night party, Relay features a flurry of activities that will keep participants walking and reflecting about the global detriment of cancer. This year will have a Disney theme—“Relay for Life where Dreams of a Cancer-Free World Can Come True!”

Lisa Earnest, president of Colleges Against Cancer, said Wright State’s goal is to raise $28,000. She says the 2014 event could be the university’s most successful Relay yet.

“Each year we work to make it better than the year before and to get more people to come out to the event and really come together for a great cause,” she said. “Relay For Life is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to unite as a campus to honor cancer survivors and raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our cancer risk.”

The Wright State Relay for Life starts Friday, April 11, and doesn't stop until noon the next day.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to help the American Cancer Society (ACS) to fight the disease. The latest numbers from ACS show that the effort to raise money for research is needed more than ever.

ACS says there are roughly 12 million cancer survivors in the United States and those numbers are climbing. One out of two men and one out of three women will face cancer in their lifetime in the United States, according to ACS.

“Relay for Life is really gaining momentum here at Wright State,” said Melissa Rubins, advisor for Colleges Against Cancer. “Our numbers keep growing and excitement is building here on campus for the 2014 Relay. We have great support from faculty, staff, the community and our amazing student committee dedicated to making this event fun and inspirational.”

For more information contact Patricia Wightman, the event chair, at wightman.5@wright.edu.