Nearly 25 years ago in Tacoma, Wash., a doctor by the name of
Gordy Klatt wished to enhance the income of his local American
Cancer Society office. To show support for all of his patients who
had battled cancer, Klatt decided to personally raise money for the
fight against cancer, according to the Relay For Life Web site.
By Ruby Perez
Nearly 25 years ago in Tacoma, Wash., a doctor by the name of Gordy Klatt wished to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. To show support for all of his patients who had battled cancer, Klatt decided to personally raise money for the fight against cancer, according to the Relay For Life Web site.
In May 1985, Klatt spent 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. While he ran nearly 83 miles, 300 of Klatts friends, family, and patients watched. Throughout the night, supporters donated $25 for every 30 minutes Klatt ran or walked. In the end he raised $27,000 to fight cancer.
Since then, Klatt has inspired people to do exactly what he did in the name of fighting cancer. Now it has become an event done throughout the nation each year and it is called The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
Participating in the fundraiser for the 11th year, Hollister residents will be holding their very own Relay For Life on July 31 at the San Benito High School Andy Hardin Stadium. The theme will be “Night at the Movies” and the event will last from 5:30 p.m. July 31 until 11 a.m. August 1.
Over the years Hollister’s community has raised more than a million dollars in their Relay For Life.
For the full story, see the Pinnacle on Friday.
