Hello, and welcome to the UBC Cancer Association’s Relay For Life blog!
We have an exciting year of content and programming ahead, and can’t wait to share it with you all- things may not look the exact same as they have in the past, but we are confident that with your help we can continue to raise money that will not only impact the lives of Canadians battling cancer but fund crucial research all across the nation.
But more on that later!
To kick off this year’s blog series, we want to tell you all a little more about what Relay For Life really is! Whether you have participated in years past or never even heard of it, there is a way to get involved and make a meaningful impact.
Relay got its start in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma, Washington wanted to raise awareness and boost fundraising for his local cancer society- since then, it has grown to become the largest fundraising event for cancer in the entire world!
In Canada, Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event, bringing in the majority of dollars to the CCS. Though this alone makes it an integral part of the Cancer Society, the community aspect provided in towns and cities across the country is incredibly valuable, crafting a support network for cancer patients, caregivers, family, and friends. This event sends out a message of hope, celebrates survivors, and honors those who have been lost to cancer.
Traditionally, Relay takes place over the span of 12 hours (7pm-7am) and teams of ~10 people take turns going around the track at all times, to signify that cancer never sleeps. Some notable events are a Survivor Lap, a Luminary ceremony to honor loved ones, and a variety of fun activities to keep up the energy throughout the night. Over the years many events have tweaked this format to best fit their communities, but all still share a common goal of spreading awareness, celebrating survivors, honoring lost loved ones, and raising money to continue the fight against cancer.
Though we may not know exactly what our event at UBC will look like this year, we can’t wait to see all of you whether it be virtually, socially distanced, or some combination of the two. Keep an eye on our socials for more information from us about how to get involved, raise money, upcoming events, and event registration.
Find us here!