This year, Relay For Life is celebrating its 40th year.
It all began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Washington, had an idea for a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
He ran around a track for 24 hours at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma to raise money for cancer research. He raised $27,000 that year. At some points, Klatt slowed down to a walk, but he kept going. At the end of the 24 hours, Klatt had made it 83 miles.