One person can make a difference.
That’s the motto the American Cancer Society subscribes to.
It all started in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt wanted to raise money for his local ACS chapter to support his patients with cancer. He spent 24 hours circling a track in Tacoma, Wash.
And 83 miles later, he raised $27,000 from friends and family who donated and walked or ran a portion of his journey.
From there, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life was born.
This year, Voorhees residents, friends and family will have the opportunity to participate in a local Relay for Life event in the community.
From 7 p.m. on Friday, June 8, to 6 a.m., Saturday, June 9, the community is invited to the Relay for Life of Voorhees at Eastern Regional High School.
The event is an overnight, relay-style event where teams of people camp out around the track, tacking turns walking throughout the evening.
Relay for Life is family-friendly and will include food, games and entertainment. Participants don’t have to spend the entire evening at the event.
To get the word out about the upcoming Relay for Life event, supporters are hosting a kickoff event this evening at the Voorhees Town Center to get the word out about fundraising. The celebration will be held at 7 p.m. tonight in the Macy’s Lobby.
Mayor Michael Mignogna said he hopes residents will come out to the event to support the cause, while planning for the Relay for Life event on June 8.
“Dozens of families, caregivers, cancer survivors, schools, local organizations and individuals will ring in the new season with a rally that educates everyone on how their involvement benefits the American Cancer Society’s goal to save lives and create more birthdays,” Mignogna said.
Money raised through the event will help continue the American Cancer Society’s goal to help people stay well, by developing guidelines for recommended cancer screenings so cancer can be detected earlier or prevented.
Funds raised will also help people across the country living with cancer to get the help and care needed. The American Cancer Society also continues to search for a cure for the disease.
Mignogna said he is looking forward to seeing the community come together in the coming months to plan the event.
“This is the first year for such an event in Voorhees, so I’m excited to help make it a success,” Mignogna said. “We have all been touched in some way by cancer’s devastation. Join us at the kickoff celebration on Feb. 15 so we can build momentum toward our Relay for Life of Voorhees on June 8 and June 9.”
