Auckland Cancer Society - Relay for Life

those who have lost their lives to cancer will never be forgotten
those who face cancer will be supported and...
that one day we will live in a cancer free world.

How Relay For Life began

One man - One track - One goal
In 1985 an American Cancer Society volunteer, Dr Gordy Klatt, put on his jogging gear and headed for the local running track after his good friend died from cancer. Twenty four hours and 81 miles (135 kilometres) later, Dr Klatt had raised an amazing US$27,000 in sponsored donations for the American Cancer Society.

Since then, Relay For Life has developed into the world's biggest fundraising event and from its humble beginnings is now held in over 4,500 different locations worldwide. Relay will be held in 15 different cities around New Zealand throughout February and March 2007. Money raised is used for cancer research, cancer treatment equipment and cancer support and prevention programmes.

Who can take part?

Relay For Life is a team event. Everyone is welcome.

You can gather a team of friends, family or workmates - people of all ages and all levels of fitness. All you need is a sense of purpose and a sense of fun! Team members take turns walking, jogging, or running laps around the stadium track over a 24 hour period keeping at least one member of the team on the track at all times.

Join a magical 24 hours

Celebrate the courage and determination of those living with cancer. The opening lap of Relay For Life is dedicated to cancer survivors, the Survivors' Walk. We honour survivors as they lead the way in this ceremonial lap of honour, proudly wearing red sashes, for their courage, strength and victory over cancer. Caregivers and family are welcome to join them, while the rest of the teams line the track and applaud.
Witness the moving Candlelight Ceremony on Saturday night. Place your own candle tribute around the track in support of survivors or in memory of loved ones
Be part of a fantastic, carnival-style team event complete with live entertainment, camping out, breakfast, spot prizes, massages and more!
Help make a difference in the fight against cancer by raising money for a worthwhile cause while completing your own personal team challenge

"The Candlelight Ceremony and the tributes were beautiful and quite inspiring. It made me feel that these people have all fought a battle therefore I can too by completing the 24 hours of (team) walking."

'Highlights included the Survivors' Walk (in which I participated), the Candle Ceremony and people's participation plus the friendship extended by everybody. Everyone there had the one aim."

Relay For Life

Making strides against Cancer

Relay For Life is a fun-filled 24 hours community event designed to celebrate survivorship and help the Cancer Society raise money to provide the much needed free services for people and families affected by cancer throughout Auckland and Northland.

Relay For Life represents the hope: