Relay for Life Participant – Matthew Baird WPI

Most people have heard of Relay for Life, and almost everyone knows what the pink ribbon symbolizes today. However, this wasn’t always the case. Matthew Baird WPI knows that bringing attention to various types of cancer is a crucial step in raising funds to study and cure the disease. This is why Matthew Baird WPI has participated in the Relay for Life, an event held annually around the country by the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life is an overnight event; participants like Matthew Baird WPI gather a team together and ensure that at least one person from the team is walking or running on the track at all times for 24 hours. Matthew Baird WPI and his team members took shifts walking and running around the track, chatting with other participants and enjoying themselves. Although Relay for Life can be a serious event, even hosting a Luminaria ceremony to remember those who have passed away due to cancer, most people find Relay for Life to be a lot of fun as well. It’s a great chance to camp out with friends, chat, get some exercise, barbecue, and participate in fun team challenges and games. Sometimes there are bands that play and shows to attend as well.

Matthew Baird WPI knows that Relay for Life first started in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt took it upon himself to run and walk around a track for 24 hours straight. He raised $27,000, and inspired future participants like Matthew Baird WPI to eventually join in years later. Every year the Relay for Life has grown in numbers, and Matthew Baird WPI hopes that it will continue to raise money for cancer research and treatment. The American Cancer Society estimates that Relay for Life has raised over $3 billion, and spread to over 21 other countries.