EDISON — The first-ever Relay for Life to be held in the local area will be held June 10-11 at Edison High School.
Stephanie Coutros, manager of special events for the American Cancer Society, along with YvonneAbrams and Dana Moyle, both teachers at John Marshall Elementary School in Edison, held a kick-off dinner at the PinesManor on Feb. 16 to begin planning for the event.
Abrams said she began attending smaller fundraisers after her mother lost her battle with pancreatic cancer six years ago. Last year, she and Moyle held a fundraiser at their school, where they raised $4,000.
“It was great getting all the kids involved,” said Abrams.
Abrams and Moyle also participated in a Relay for Life event held in Colonia last year. That inspired them to organize one in the Edison and Metuchen area.
The kickoff featured a miniature version ofwhat people could expect during the Relay for Life, with highlights from past events, lighted glow sticks in honor of loved ones who have passed away from cancer and those who are cancer survivors, as well as some fun and games.
Relay for Life is theAmerican Cancer Society’s signature activity. It is described on its website as a fun and unique way for people to raise money for the battle against cancer, right in their own communities. Teams of eight to 15 people camp out at a local high school or park and take turns walking around a track. Relays are 24-hour events, with a combination of exercise, entertainment and inspiration .
The ACS has funded 44 researchers who have gone on to win the Nobel Prize and it is currently funding 12 research grants in New Jersey.
Drew Templeton, a 22-year-old cancer survivor, spoke at the kickoff event. Her battle began when she was diagnosed at age 14 with acute lymphocytic leukemia.
“Now I can say I am cancer-free,” she said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Relay for Life began in Tacoma, Wash., in the mid-1980s. Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to create a new revenue stream for his local American Cancer Society office and show support for all of his patients who had battled cancer. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed — running marathons.
In May 1985, Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. He ran for more than 83 miles. The first year, nearly 300 of the doctor’s friends, family members and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk with Klatt for 30 minutes. His efforts raised $27,000 to fight cancer.
Eleven teams are already signed up for the Relay for Life event of Edison- Metuchen. It will begin at 6 p.m. June 10 and end at 7 a.m. June 11. For more information about creating a team, contact Stephanie Coutros at 732-951-6321 or email [email protected].