In mid-August, over 100 people will lace up their sneakers and walk hundreds of miles to help fight cancer. They are fighting to make a difference.
In 1982, Dr. Gordy Klapp walked for 24 hours straight and “Relay For Life” was born. Dr. Klapp had a vision to bring awareness to everyone and now we continue that fight. The American Cancer Society has made this their signature event and it has grown nationwide, with more than 6,000 communities and 35 countries on six continents.
This year, Relay for Life is celebrating 40 years of fighting to make a difference.
Everyone is welcome to join in walking for this cause. Athletes and non-athletes join teams representing clubs, corporations, organizations, government agencies, neighborhoods and families at this fun, community-oriented event.
Money raised helps support American Cancer Society programs in research, education, advocacy and services—locally, statewide and nationally. In 2024, the relay (with just volunteers) raised over $68 million in the U.S. alone.
Cancer survivors from around the community are invited to take a victory lap and be cheered on by fellow participants. This is a true celebration of their courageous battle.
The evening concludes with a Luminaria, a candlelight (battery powered) ceremony paying tribute to those who have been affected by cancer.
Luminarias are purchased in honor of those who have survived their battle with cancer, for those still fighting and in memory of those who have courageously battled this disease but lost. The Luminarias represent the healing power of the community and the importance of funding to find a cure.
Relay For Life will be Aug. 16 at Newark Community Center Park and is free for everyone to join in the walk, visit booths and see how to help in the fight against cancer.
Visit relayforlife.org/eastbayca to learn more about this and other relays. People can choose the “Join this Relay” or register their own teams.
Relay For Life
Saturday, Aug. 16
10am – 10pm
Newark Community Center Park
35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark
Thank you for posting this. We are fortunate to have a dedicated newspaper in our community.
Relay for Life is so much fun. Come on out and join us. You don’t have to walk miles. Just come and visit our booths, eat good food, enter raffle, find beautiful handmade crafts and gifts, celebrate the fight against cancer and honor survivors and caregivers. It is a great day and a great cause.