Relay for Life Montgomery County is returning to its traditional in-person relay format for 2021 Friday, Aug. 13, from 6 p.m. to midnight at Christiansburg Middle School.
The theme this year is Rock for Relay. The event will feature live music from each decade beginning with the 1950’s.
During the event, those who have lost their battle to cancer will be honored, and cancer survivors and caregivers will be celebrated. Dr. Gordon Klatt, who created Relay for Life in the mid-1980s will be celebrated. Dr. Klatt expressed an interest in raising funds for his local American Cancer society and circled the track for more than 83 miles in a 24-hour period. Friends and family donated $25 to run or walk certain distances with him.
While he ran and walked the track, Klatt began making plans on how the event could be even bigger in future years. Dr. Klatt’s goal was accomplished, and although he passed away from stomach cancer in 2014, his legacy lives on.
Over the decades, Dr. Klatt’s Relay for Life idea has turned into more than 5,200 events across the United States that have raised nearly 5 billion dollars for the American Cancer Society. Funds raised through Relay For Life directly support breakthrough research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, access to lifesaving screenings, and much more.
“We are so excited to be able to host an in-person event this year,” said Donna Christian, event leader for the Montgomery County Relay. “We have partnered with some great bands and food vendors to help us raise additional funds for The American Cancer Society.
“The year of “2020” affected our fundraising efforts tremendously,” Christian said. “Unfortunately, less funding results in less research for cancer treatment and care. I want to be a part of the cure.” Christian’s mom died of cancer in 1995.
“We have so many great things planned for the event such as children activities, food trucks, vendors, ceremonies and so many talented singers and bands,” said Linda Howell, Relay for Life team leader. “The entire community is invited to join us for a night of music, joy, celebration, and remembrance. The personal stories we hear throughout our community from cancer survivors remind us that every dollar we raise counts and that we are making a positive impact in our fight against cancer.”
The event site will be filled with luminaria bags personalized with the names of cancer survivors and the names of those who lost their battle. Personalized bags to honor loved ones can be purchased for $5 through a local relay team, or they can be purchased the night of the event.
