Relay for Life helps those in our community
March 6, 2014
By Laura Roady

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life helps cancer patients -- past, present and future -- on more than one level. Proceeds from the event fund cancer research, education, prevention and patient services.

“The money we raise primarily goes to research at the grass roots level,” explained Abbie Davis, Relay for Life community relationship manager.

The American Cancer Society receives grant applications and funds approximately 12 percent of the top grant applications. Of those researchers, 48 have become Nobel Prize winners.

Locally, a Washington State University professor is studying algae to advance cancer research, said Davis.

The money raised also helps get people through treatment, and that is where the funds are spent locally explained Davis.

Funds help the “Road to Recovery” program, which matches volunteer drivers with cancer patients needing rides to treatment.

The American Cancer Society also helps provide free lodging for those undergoing cancer treatment. The Spokane division is third in the nation for giving free lodging to cancer patients, according to Davis.

“The American Cancer Society was very helpful to us,” said Dean Satchwell, a cancer survivor. “You’re helping me. I appreciate it. There is a definite need for help up here.”

Seventy-two cents of every dollar raised goes to fulfill the American Cancer Society’s missions, including research, survivorship and quality of life.

The goal of the American Cancer Society is to have three out of three people survive cancer. Currently, survivorship is two out of three, Davis said.

“I don’t want our kids to know cancer,” she said.

Davis has a goal of the community raising $25,000 during the first annual Bonners Ferry Relay for Life. Community members can help reach this goal by forming a team and fundraising, supporting fundraising efforts, becoming a business sponsor, volunteering to help organize the event and/or participating in the Relay for Life event.

In communities throughout America, people gather together to help fight cancer at Relays For Life. Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s national signature activity that brings together teams of families and friends from local companies, schools, clubs and organizations to walk around the track in relay fashion.

All proceeds raised from this event are used for cancer research, education, prevention and patient services. The event also provides a wonderful venue for the promotion and delivery of cancer control activities, including advocacy, prevention and early detection education.

The five-year relative survival probability for all cancers diagnosed between 1999 and 2006 is 68 percent, up from 50 percent in 1975 to 1977. This survival rate can be increased through more research and greater community awareness of health issues.

Relay For Life combines a way to share vital cancer education and programs with community members and a way to raise money to fund more cancer research.

The success began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Washington, surgeon and American Cancer Society volunteer, ran and walked on a local track for 24 hours, traveling a total of 81 miles and raising $27,000.

Since Dr. Klatt’s one-man marathon, thousands of people nationwide have passed the “baton” and raised billions of dollars for Relay For Life’s battle against cancer.

Now, more than four million people will participate in one of over 5,000 Relay for Life events this year.

For the Bonners Ferry Relay for Life event, four teams have already signed up: Team Awesome!, Rack Pack, Deselms Support Squad and South Boundary Fire.

The goal is to have at least 15 teams participate this year when the first Bonners Ferry Relay for Life begins at 6 p.m. Friday, August 22, on the Bonners Ferry High School track.

To learn more, to register, to volunteer or to find out more, visit the Bonners Ferry Relay for Life webpage by clicking here.