LYNN — Cancer is not a unique experience. But when it was devised in 1985, the Relay for Life was.
The American Cancer Society fundraiser was created by Dr. Gordon Klatt, a surgeon from Tacoma, Wash., as a way to raise money. Because he enjoyed marathons, Klatt walked around the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound for 24 hours. Throughout the night, friends of his paid $25 to run or walk with him for 39 minutes.
Klatt ended up walking 83 miles and raised $27,000 for cancer research.
Now, more than 5,000 Relay for Life events take place in more than 20 countries. When it began 16 years ago, it was held at Red Rock Park on Lynn Beach, and teams of walkers circled round the walkway as many times as they could. Other sites for the fundraiser included the Ben Bowzer Complex at Breed Middle School and Manning Field.
Friday night, Lynn will have its relay, only this year it’s more of a traditional fundraiser than an outdoor marathon. It will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Lynnfield Street from 6-11 p.m. There will be no walkathons. It’ll be more of a traditional dance/fundraiser.
“Last year we had it at Manning Field, and we thought we’d get a bigger crowd than we did,” said Kay Rowe of Lynn, who has helped run the event for much of the 16 years it’s taken place in Lynn. “We chose this, hoping we can draw a new crowd, and we’re excited about it.”
Most all the principals in the running of this event have been touched by cancer. Rowe’s grandfather died from it, and for several years, her family was the guiding force.
“Ten or 12 years ago, my mother (City Clerk Janet Rowe) took over as the chair. Then, it was handed down to me.”
Rowe’s father, Charlie, is a coach in the Lynn High School swimming program, and the two coaches at English were Marianne and Michelle Conlon, daughters of former Lynn Tech director Bart Conlon and his wife, Diane. In 2011, Michelle, who started her own family team, ultimately died of cancer, and the Conlons had worked hard to keep the team going.
“They are a powerhouse,” Rowe said. “Every year, it’s like a Lynn swim reunion.”
Once it was decided to change the format, Rowe said, some of the ideas the committee thought about seemed a little outdated.
“I think 5K road races have kind of run their course,” she said.
“We all have that one thing in common,” Rowe said. “We get together and celebrate our loved ones.”
There will be ceremonies, survivor recognition, music, a chili cook-off, a cupcake battle, raffles and additional food for sale.
Teams will still be given spaces to decorate in honor, or memory, of loved ones stricken with cancer.
Each chili entry will receive two free entry tickets to the event. Tickets will be $10 for entry and fundraising is encouraged. Those wishing to participate in the chili cook-off or cupcake wars can sign up on the relay’s Facebook page.
Also, any survivors are welcome and encouraged to sign up on the relay website.