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Lao-tzu's famous quote from the early 1900s is the literal and philosophical embodiment for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, its premier fundraiser that encourages businesses, churches, families and individuals to walk around a track in honor of those who have survived and those who were lost to cancer.
This proverb also represents the progress in cancer research. According to Nancy Wellard of the American Cancer Society, who started the local Relay event about 16 years ago, cancer is not always deadly.
“Cancer is becoming a chronic disease,” said Wellard, who has been battling lymphoma for four years and whose husband died of liver cancer. “It used to be a death sentence. Now, we're finding enormous success rates. That's why we do the survivor's walk (around the track), because it's so heartening to see the number of people who are surviving.”
The first local Relay for Life, an event that occurs around the country, first arrived to the Lowcountry in Beaufort. Wellard brought it to Hilton Head with a rousing success the following year, and raised $12,000. Throughout the years that amount has steadily increased, Wellard said.
“Each year, you think, 'For heaven's sakes when will this woman get over this?' ” Wellard said, laughing. “What feeds the Relay is the passion of the people involved. This is an event that everybody can do … I enjoy saying there's no one who can't do Relay. Absolutely anyone can participate ― old, young, fat, thin, if you've been around a long time, you’re new or don't know a soul who has cancer.”
The first-ever Relay was founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., colorectal surgeon, who wanted to raise money for cancer research and to show support for all of his patients who had battled the disease by running marathons. He spent 24 hours circling the track at University of Puget Sound's Baker Stadium, running for more than 83 miles. That first year, about 300 of Klatt's friend, family and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk with him for 30 minutes. He raised $27,000.
Over the years, the Relay has morphed into a community fair, where businesses, organizations, churches and families set up tents, sell grilled goodies and offer fun activities, such as Hilton Head High School's “Dunk a Teacher.” The main focus is to raise money for the event by running or walking laps around a track the day of the event, by selling food or by holding fundraising events prior to the Relay. The culminating event is 12 hours of community support, where current cancer patients and loved ones get together to unite for one cause. The evening tops off with an emotional luminaria ceremony, where white bags light the track's path with personal messages written for survivors and victims of cancer.
Mike Sanz, Hilton Head's co-chairman, said he wants to get back to the basics, to the original idea Klatt started more than 20 years ago. He is encouraging this year's participants to have a team member constantly present on the track all night long, because “cancer never sleeps.”
“The toughest time for cancer patients or anyone who is sick is at night when they're alone, that's why it's important to develop a Relay that continues overnight.”
To encourage people to stay and walk around the track all night, the Hilton Head Relay will have different themes every hour, such as beach, military and crazy hats.
“So many people think this event is sad,” Wellard said. “It isn't sad. There is a moment during the luminaria ceremony where you're reminded of people who were lost, but when you look around, you see all of the people who are there for support. … If you don't have to be at a wedding in Arkansas, you jolly well better be at the Relay.”
RELAY FOR LIFE
- Beaufort Relay for Life: 7 p.m.-7 a.m. April 9-10, Beaufort Middle School. Contact: Lesa Allen-Gaither, 441-4277, 842-5188, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Hilton Head Relay for Life: 7 p.m.-7 a.m. May 7-8, Honey Horn. Contact: Mike Sanz, 422-9793, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Cindy Wood, 301-2990, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Bluffton Relay for Life: 6 p.m.-6 a.m. May 14-15, University of South Carolina New River Campus. Contact: Stephanie Ruyle, 912-373-4475; Nancy Wellard, 422-5559
- Jasper County Relay for Life: 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. May 14-15, Coastal Carolina Hospital, Hardeeville. Contact: Nancy Wellard, 422-5559
- For general Relay for Life information, such as fundraising tips and top teams, visit www.screlayforlife.org.
