In 2015 there will be an estimated 1.6 million new cases of cancer in both men and women, according to The American Cancer Society. Cancer has been one of the leading causes of death throughout the world over the past 50 years. It is also one of the biggest non-profit organizations in the United States. One of the reasons The American Cancer Society is able to raise so much money for cancer research is due to the nationally organized, but locally run event, The Relay for Life.

 Relay for life was started in the mid 1980's by Dr. Gordy Klatt. Klatt was a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington. Klatt wanted to increase the income of his local American Cancer Society. To do this Klatt spent 24 hours walking around the track of the University of Puget Sound. Klatt walked for more than 83 miles, and throughout the night friends and onlookers paid him $25 to walk with him. Klatt was able to raise $27,000 that day for his local American Cancer Society. That next year he organized what would be the first Relay for Life event, then known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer. 19 teams took place in the event, and they were able to raise $33,000. This would set the stage for the American Cancer Society to create what would become their biggest nationwide event, The Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life now is still relatively similar to Dr. Klatt's original event. Teams register online with the American Cancer Society, and proceed to raise and donate money prior to the event. At the event teams are set up both inside and outside of the track, which at least one member of the team should be on during the duration of the event. The Relay for Life also honors survivors of cancer, and those that have lost their battle to cancer. The Relay for Life has become more than just a fund raising event, it has become symbolic for honoring those who have passed on, and those who are still fighting. During the event there is the "Survivors Lap" during which cancer survivors are honored as they circle the track as they are cheered on by others at the event. During the event they have a "Fight Back Ceremony" During this emotional ceremony a speaker speaks to everyone about how cancer has affected their life, speakers can range from cancer survivors to a child reading a poem about how awful cancer is.  As the night goes on candles are lit around the track during the "Luminaria Ceremony". This ceremony is one of the most important events during the relay, candles are lit inside of bags that have names of those who have passed away on them. The lighting of these candles honor those who have lost their fight to cancer. The candles are placed around the track, and stay lit until the candle goes out.

The American Cancer Society helps organize and endorses the event, with the hopes of raising money for their organization. The American Cancer Society's main goal is to find a cure for cancer, and eliminate the disease as a whole. However this would require money, which is where the Relay for Life comes in. The American Cancer Society raises money to help fund their cancer research, and look for possible cures. Aside from research they also put money into treatments, and recovery for cancer patients. They also fund their "Hope Lodge" which are facilities used to provide a home to cancer patients and their care givers during their treatment.

Relay for Life's founder Dr. Gordon Klatt passed away in 2014 at the age of 71 after struggling with a heart condition later in his life. Klatt leaves behind one of the most successful fund raising events today. The Relay for life is has become a traditional event for communities, families, and individuals. The Relay for Life has raised nearly $5 billion to help fight all types of cancer. This is evidence that one person really can make a difference. Dr. Klatt started by just walking by himself walking around a track to raise money, which may have seemed like a ridiculous idea at the time, but he was able to start what is now a huge nationwide event.