Relay for Life

Relay for Life

Robin @ Kids Matter

What Is Relay for Life?

•Organized, overnight community fundraising walk.

•Teams of people camp out around a track.

•Members of each team take turns walking around the track.

•Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie.

•Family-friendly environment for the entire community.

Because it’s a team event, individual participants are not required to be there the entire time. But it's so much fun; you'll find it hard to leave!

What Makes a Relay Event Special?

Many moments create the unique Relay experience. Event details vary by location, but all events have key moments in common:

Survivors Lap

During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay for Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.

Luminaria Ceremony

The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer. Learn More »

Fight Back Ceremony

This emotionally powerful ceremony inspires Relay participants to take action. The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.

History of Relay for Life

In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern – cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay for Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.

Please join us in support of finding a cure for cancer.

Relay For Life of Madison County

Friday, June 13, 2014

6:00PM to 6:00 AM

At Michael Caudill Middle School

101 Summit St, Richmond KY

Meet the Child Care Council Staff

Introducing Scot W.

Robin @ Kids Matter

Scot is originally from Colliers, West Virginia. He came to Kentucky to be near his fiancée who was going to school at UK.  Scot was the sports editor, for two years, at a newspaper in Harrodsburg, so it’s no surprise that he loves sports!   Football is his favorite sport, both to watch and to play.  He says he quickly became a UK fan after moving here because he really liked the love that people in the Lexington area had for sports.  I asked Scot what he has done that people wouldn’t guess about him.  He stated that several years ago, he entered a singing contest and won! 

After coming to live and work in Lexington, Scot’s workplace was very near the Fayette County Eligibility Office.  He had always had the desire to help people, and was not feeling fulfilled on a personal level in his current job.  So, after some time of seeing the signs and people coming and going, he asked more about the CCC, and applied for a job.  He’s very glad that it all worked out.  Scot is now a Claims Specialist working at Central Office.

Scot, and his wife April, are very involved in fundraising for the American Cancer Society.  They both volunteer at the Relay for Life event every year.  Part of his motivation for this is from his maternal grandmother being a breast cancer survivor and an aunt who passed away from cancer.  Several members of his wife’s family have been struck by the disease also, so it’s rewarding to be able to work toward a cure. 

The accomplishment Scot is most proud of in life is his son, Owen.   You can easily tell how excited Scot is about being a parent.  He said, “New parenthood is a combination of learning as you go and relying on what your parents taught you.”   He’s very thankful for the good upbringing that he had, as it has helped him a lot in learning how to be a parent himself.  Scot said that he has learned compassion and trust from Owen.  “Owen automatically trusts that you’re going to take care of him. He depends on you for everything.”    Before Owen was born, Scot could often be heard planning pre-schools, schools, sports, and other such things for his son and worrying about doing things the best way for him.  He said ultimately now, “What matters is that Owen is healthy, happy with himself, and happy with his life.  None of the other plans or ‘what ifs’ in life matter.”   10 years into the future, Scot sees himself happily transporting Owen to sporting events, watching him play, and grow.  Scot is very happy with life and where things have gone both in family and career.