When Gordy Klatt ran his first laps around the Washington track, could anyone imagine what Relay For Life would become? Relay has become many things-a community presence, a powerful advocacy voice, and a celebration of survivorship-to name a few. But this week I was reminded that what makes Relay so special is that it is a gift…a gift that communities give themselves, and each Relay community gives to all of us. Is it really a surprise that Relays have become so important to so many individuals and communities? Relays are transformational. Relay takes the fear and helplessness that is often associated with cancer and transforms it into hope and action. When survivors walk their lap to the cheers of the community, each step affirms the power to overcome and triumph in the face of cancer. When we light luminarias in honor of those with cancer and in remembrance of those who have died, we are illuminating the darkness with candles of hope...hope that we will one day eliminate the suffering and pain of cancer. This gift of hope is never more important than when we as individuals, communities, or as a nation are faced with tragedy and despair. More than a week ago when tragedy struck Virginia Tech, the Relay community suffered the loss of a fellow Relayer. The stories of the Virginia Tech Relayers who held their Relay just days after the senseless deaths of their fellow students and professors, was a gift and an inspiration to all of us. They refused to allow themselves to be consumed by the darkness, but instead lit up the Virginia night with their candles of hope.
Jack Shipkoski, CEO of the South Atlantic Division, sent this update after the Virginia Tech Relay…… Thank you again for your collective support and outreach to our Virginia Tech student leadership and the entire campus community. It was an extraordinary thing to witness everyone coming together instantaneously on their behalf at our Nationwide RFL Staff Meeting. Thank you all and your Divisions - it meant the world to them to hear from you, and to know that there were luminaria candles and special ceremonies happening in tribute to them at events across the nation. Special thanks also for all those who paid special tribute to Caitlen Hammerin, the RFL participant who was lost in the tragedy. As we speak, she has raised $10,262 on her homepage and has literally received donations and on-line messages from across the nation and the world thanks to all of you. Her parents attended the event and because both Caitlen and her parents are runners, they ran in her memory and were embraced by all those in attendance. Words fail in describing the significance of that... After tragedies like 9/11, the gulf coast hurricanes, and others---one Relay community after another decided to continue on with their Relays. And Relayers, when faced with personal loss, continue on. 
One night. One community. One fight. We cannot think of a better way to describe the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Thanks to your hard work more than 710 Relay events throughout the High Plains Division will raise more than $46 million dollars this year. Nationwide, Relay will raise an astounding $400 million dollars to help the Society defeat cancer.
From Hawaiian sunrises to Missouri snowstorms, our Relay journeys were filled with life-changing moments. Many of you — survivors and caregivers —shared your stories of why 
you Relay — and we were touched. Some of you were first time Relayers, while many of you were veterans.
We applaud and encourage each of you as you continue to spread the Relay message 365 days a year. Thank you so much for all you do in the fight against cancer.