2008 Woodie Awards
Students rally early for Relay
Emily Feldman
Issue date: 3/2/06 Section: Features
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It is difficult to believe that two years ago, when Ross Lieb-Lappen '07 decided to bring Relay for Life to Middlebury, he envisioned it growing into the phenomenon it has become. Not surprisingly, Middlebury students embraced the concept of an all night walk for Cancer research and support and Relay for Life at Middlebury has quickly blossomed into a spring-time tradition. This year's events, scheduled to take place Aprail 28 and 29, are projected to solidify the strong presence and continued success of Relay for Life on campus and in the Middlebury community.
Relay for Life began as one man's independent project and has grown into an international organization, aimed at supporting cancer research and patients. In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt solicited sponsors to support his running around a track in Tacoma, Wash. for 24 hours, covering over 83 miles and raising $27,000 for his local American Cancer Society. While running, he envisioned how he could get more people involved, and shortly thereafter he put together the first Relay for Life planning committee. The program has since spread to 4,300 sites across the United States, as well as to other nations such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia and Venezuela. International programs aim to increase general cancer awareness and outreach, while ensuring that communities are able to sustain continued Relay for life Programs.
Last year's Relay at Middlebury raised $177,831, which was distributed to research organizations as well as American Cancer Society programs such as Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better and HOPE lodge. This amount represented an over 115 percent growth from the 2004 relay which raised $84,205. Highlights of the weekend included notable speakers - Vermont Governor Jim Douglas and Congressman Bernie Sanders, as well as addresses from cancer survivors and caregivers. The 2005 Relay at Middlebury was declared as the Nationwide Highest Per Capita Youth Event, New England's Highest Growth Rate for Youth event and was recognized for New England Online Fundraising Excellence.
Relay for Life began as one man's independent project and has grown into an international organization, aimed at supporting cancer research and patients. In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt solicited sponsors to support his running around a track in Tacoma, Wash. for 24 hours, covering over 83 miles and raising $27,000 for his local American Cancer Society. While running, he envisioned how he could get more people involved, and shortly thereafter he put together the first Relay for Life planning committee. The program has since spread to 4,300 sites across the United States, as well as to other nations such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia and Venezuela. International programs aim to increase general cancer awareness and outreach, while ensuring that communities are able to sustain continued Relay for life Programs.
Last year's Relay at Middlebury raised $177,831, which was distributed to research organizations as well as American Cancer Society programs such as Road to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better and HOPE lodge. This amount represented an over 115 percent growth from the 2004 relay which raised $84,205. Highlights of the weekend included notable speakers - Vermont Governor Jim Douglas and Congressman Bernie Sanders, as well as addresses from cancer survivors and caregivers. The 2005 Relay at Middlebury was declared as the Nationwide Highest Per Capita Youth Event, New England's Highest Growth Rate for Youth event and was recognized for New England Online Fundraising Excellence.