In 1985, one man in Tacoma, Wash., walked around a track for 24 hours. He traveled 83 miles geographically and traveled around the world with his actions. Dr. Gordy Klatt raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society that day and began a worldwide phenomenon. Since then, the event has evolved and just last year, Relay raised more than $405 million to aid in the fight against cancer.

In Springfield, Relay is held among Glendale, Parkview, Central, Kickapoo, Greenwood and Catholic High Schools to make up the Springfield chapter. Last year, the six schools alone raised $113,152 with Glendale contributing roughly one-fourth of that total. On May 3 and 4, Glendale’s committee hopes to improve.

“We’ve exceeded last year’s team total,” junior David Waites, Glendale team captain coordinator, said. “With the added teams [from last year], we’ll hopefully raise even more money.”

In order to participate in Relay, students must raise at least $100 and sell a luminaria, a paper bag with a lit candle to honor someone who fought cancer and won...or lost.

During the 24-hour relay, students will walk around a track to raise money to aid the battle against cancer. The event will open with a Survivor Lap, where individuals who have battled or are still fighting cancer take a turn around the track.

Next, the luminarias will be lit around the track to form “Hope” in the stands.

“Walking around the track with luminarias lighting the way is pretty intense,” junior Kevin Madsen, co-vice event chair, said. “It makes us realize how much cancer touches everyone. It brings the reason for Relay to everyone’s heart.”

This year will also feature a new event called the “Fight Back” ceremony. Students will take a pledge to fight back against cancer and get involved with the American Cancer Society.

“It’s a pledge to do something,” senior Hillary Fisk, co-event chair, said.

“Whether it’s raising more money the next year or getting your dad to get a colonoscopy.”

This year, Relay has been playing host to innovative techniques as students branch out through the Internet.

Several Facebook groups around the city are helping to keep participants informed of fund-raising opportunities.

On one group, advertisements for a garage sale helped bolster awareness.

“We raised almost $300 for Relay at our garage sale,” senior Lyndsey Lasssley said.

The Internet has also made donations easier to give.