Relay For Life celebrates 40 years

Nancy Simpson/The Madera Tribune File Photo

Participants of the 2024 Relay For Life walk in the Survivor’s Lap at Lions Town and Country Park. This year marks the organization’s 40th anniversary.

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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.