AUBURN -- At one time or another, someone's life will in a way be touched by cancer.
The American Cancer Society is at the forefront of this fight, supporting research, treatment and education on the disease.
Since 1986, the annual Relay For Life walk has been one of the organization's biggest fundraisers.
Last year marked the first time the event took place in Auburn and despite cold, wet conditions, proved to be a great success.
"Despite everything it went well," said Brian Hayes, special event coordinator for the central New York region of the American Cancer Society. "We had a lot of participation and raised over $85,000."
On Wednesday night at the Auburn Public Theatre, Hayes, along with members of the Auburn Relay For Life committee gathered for a special Relay For Life kickoff.
"Basically this is twofold," Hayes said. "We want to get new people here to listen and see what it is that this is all about and we want to welcome back those that participated last year and get them thinking about getting a team together again this year and just to get people ready and in the spirit of what the event is all about."
Relay For Life started in 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klutt, decided to walk for 24 hours straight to raise money for the fight against cancer.
This man's efforts have since blossomed into events in all 50 states.
During the kickoff event, Julia Wamp, a cancer survivor from central New York, spoke of her battle with cancer and how Relay For Life has touched her life.
"I had breast cancer," Wamp said. "And it has taught us, my husband, my children, my family to stop for a minute everyday and remember that life is precious and we try to take that time to celebrate life."
Inspired by her ordeal, Wamp formed a team to participate in last year's race.
"We had 32 team members," Wamp said. "We raised over $9,000, just by writing letters to friends and family and getting as many people involved as we could. But the best thing about Relay For Life is it encourages you to have hope for the future."
Hayes announced this year there will be a variety of new events and incentives to get teams involved.
Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Citizen.
Since 1986, the annual Relay For Life walk has been one of the organization's biggest fundraisers.
Last year marked the first time the event took place in Auburn and despite cold, wet conditions, proved to be a great success.
"Despite everything it went well," said Brian Hayes, special event coordinator for the central New York region of the American Cancer Society. "We had a lot of participation and raised over $85,000."
On Wednesday night at the Auburn Public Theatre, Hayes, along with members of the Auburn Relay For Life committee gathered for a special Relay For Life kickoff.
"Basically this is twofold," Hayes said. "We want to get new people here to listen and see what it is that this is all about and we want to welcome back those that participated last year and get them thinking about getting a team together again this year and just to get people ready and in the spirit of what the event is all about."
Relay For Life started in 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klutt, decided to walk for 24 hours straight to raise money for the fight against cancer.
This man's efforts have since blossomed into events in all 50 states.
During the kickoff event, Julia Wamp, a cancer survivor from central New York, spoke of her battle with cancer and how Relay For Life has touched her life.
"I had breast cancer," Wamp said. "And it has taught us, my husband, my children, my family to stop for a minute everyday and remember that life is precious and we try to take that time to celebrate life."
Inspired by her ordeal, Wamp formed a team to participate in last year's race.
"We had 32 team members," Wamp said. "We raised over $9,000, just by writing letters to friends and family and getting as many people involved as we could. But the best thing about Relay For Life is it encourages you to have hope for the future."
Hayes announced this year there will be a variety of new events and incentives to get teams involved.
Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Citizen.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.