What is Relay for Life?

Relay for Life first began in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked more than 83 miles and raised $27,000 for cancer research in Tacoma, Washington. Since 1985, Relay for Life has grown into a nationwide event, taking place in 5,200 communities and 27 countries; raising nearly $5 billion for the fight against cancer.

Florida State University will host its 18th annual Relay For Life event March 25th at the Union Ballrooms. Relay For Life of FSU is a 12 hour event, in which participants continuously walk around a track through the night to represent that CANCER NEVER SLEEPS!

The event begins at sunset and ends at sunrise the following morning. Participants stay the night to embody a cancer patient’s journey from diagnosis to remission. Sunset signifies a person being diagnosed with cancer. The darkness of night represents the fear a patient experiences after being diagnosed, and beginning treatment. The late hours of the night parallel the exhaustion, and waning spirit of a patient going through treatment. The sunrise symbolizes the end of struggle for the cancer patient, and the hope of a new day.

Remember, there is NO finish line until we find a cure. Stay the night with us, and join the fight against cancer!