DEMOPOLIS-An event that was started by one single man running to raise money for Cancer named Gordy Klatt of Washington State has now turned into a worldwide event ran by millions of people every year in hopes of one-day finding a cure for Cancer. Klatt’s 24-hour run back in 1986 was the basis for an event now known across the world as “Relay for Life”.

The American Cancer Society Community Representative Nikki Richardson said she is responsible for Marengo and the other seven counties that make up West Alabama. She also said, “Relay for Life” is our signature fundraising event for the year.

“Demopolis is by far my biggest event,” Richardson said, “Last year, we raised $44,333 and this year’s goal is $48,500.”

She said when Klatt first started he was running alone and raised $27,000, well now there are millions of people all running in memory off people who have won and lost their fights with Cancer. She also said now that event in Washington State grosses over $1,000,000 every year.

“We have 19 teams this year participating in the relay,” Richardson said, “I would like to thank all the residents of Demopolis and Marengo County for raising this money to help fight for a cure to Cancer.”

The Team Recruitment Chairman Allison Moore said there were 19 teams from all over Marengo County that are participating in this year’s event. The list of teams is as follows:

* Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital

* Gulf States

* Quest Club

* Deep South Network- Greene County

* Deep South Network- Perry County

* Greene County Steam Plant

* Commercial Bank of Demopolis

* Robertson Banking Company

* Amedisys

* Comfort Care

* Demopolis High School

* West Alabama Prep

* Sylvian Learning Center

* Hospice South

* Demopolis Police Department

* City Employees

* Comco Wireless

* Suttles Trucking/Southern Tank

* Southern Care

Moore said teams can start setting up their tents from Noon to 5 p.m. She also said the event will be May 7, 2004 at the Demopolis City Landing Pavilion with the walking to take place at the playground area starting around 6:15 p.m.