Stepping up to fight cancer

Walking for life

In May 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt, a surgeon in Tacoma, Wash., walked and ran around a college track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. A grueling 83.6 miles later, Dr. Klatt had raised over $27,000 from pledges and created the blueprint for Relay For Life.

Today, more than 2,000 Relay For Life events are held yearly across the U.S., drawing nearly 1.3 million participants and raising $406 million last year.

Relay For Life funds go toward life-saving cancer research, patient services and education and prevention programs. Last year, the events supported over 1.2 million calls and chats from patients and caregivers through the American Cancer Society’s helpline and provided more than 456,000 free nights of lodging for patients receiving treatment away from home

“Relay For Life events are incredibly moving and motivational because of our passionate supporters,” said Tina Coleman, senior development manager—unified event support. “Their dedication is essential to our mission of improving the lives of people with cancer and their families.”

“Relay For Life events are incredibly moving and motivational because of our passionate supporters.”

— Tina Coleman, senior development manager—unified event support

Joe’s Crew vs. cancer

At E.C. Loomis Insurance Associates, a small, independent agency in Arroyo Grande, Calif., cancer has impacted everyone on staff.

Joseph Cabassi, one of the agency’s owners, lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 50. The collective grief of the tight-knit staff led to the founding of Joe’s Crew in 2015, and they have been participating in the Relay For Life ever since.

“All of us have been touched by cancer in some way, as caregivers, survivors, coworkers, relatives or friends,” said Dorine Bolterman, former office manager for E.C. Loomis. “We use this special passion to help the American Cancer Society save lives, celebrate those we’ve lost, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.”

“We use this special passion to help the American Cancer Society save lives, celebrate those we’ve lost, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.”  

— Dorine Bolterman, former office manager for E.C. Loomis

While Joe’s Crew raises funds and awareness year-round, Relay For Life is a special day to remember the family and friends they’ve lost and rally around caregivers and those currently in cancer treatment.

A signature element of Relay For Life events is the luminaria ceremony, where homemade lanterns fashioned from paper bags and decorated with the names of those lost to cancer, those fighting it and those who survived are lit at dusk to illuminate the track.

Joe’s Crew contributes by making dozens of luminary bags and gathering friends, family, clients, and community members to walk with them. During the ceremony, they walk the first lap in silence to remember those lost to cancer, and the second lap in song. An emotional close to the day and to shine a light on the fight for a cancer-free future.

Help Joe’s Crew fight cancer

With a Make More Happen award from Liberty Mutual, Safeco Insurance, and State Auto, E.C. Loomis Insurance Associates will help fund transportation to and from treatments and hotel stays for cancer patients. A portion will also go toward cancer research at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Help E.C. Loomis win $10,000 for the American Cancer Society – Relay For Life by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below.