Relay For Life has Kicked Off, Teams are Needed!

Today, two out of every three cancer patients will beat cancer; and one reason is the research conducted by groups such as the American Cancer Society. Relay For Life, an ACS event, has become the largest community event helping to raise funds for the ACS. The Tehachapi community has been Relaying for 10 years, and kicked-off their 11th year in February.

Teams are now forming for the 2014 Relay for Life, which will be held July 12-13 once again at Coy Burnett Field at Jacobsen Middle School.

"Relay is a great family event," said Event Chair Duana Pera. "The Committee this year is once again planning a Relay filled with moments of unforgettable memories."

In 2013 the Tehachapi Relay for Life achieved great success, and only because of the teams that signed up to finish the fight!

"We received the Top 20 Relay Award for all of California," said Lynda Frerichs, Co-Event Chair. "This is such an honor, and we have to thank all the Team Captains, Participants and sponsors from 2013 that made it happen!"

Relay for Life was started by Dr. Gordy Klatt of Tacoma Washington; his whole goal was to enhance the income for his local ACS office. So in May of 1985 Dr. Klatt spent 24-hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound and finished 83 miles! As he walked people donated money to walk or run with him, and Relay was born. Dr. Klatt has always said every person can make a difference, and he certainly did in the fight against cancer. In 1986 it became a Team event and today there are over 5,200 Relays across America.

Today teams join together in groups to raise funds for ACS in honor or in memory of people with cancer. The teams walk the track for 24 hours because cancer never sleeps and neither will they at Relay!

If you are interested in being part of a great experience by either forming a team or joining a team, please contact our Team Development Chair Tracy Lankin at

661-805-5210. Team Captain meetings are always the second Thursday of each month through June at Carden School Auditorium starting at 5 p.m. for Social Hour, and 6 p.m. for Team Captain Meetings.

For general information about Relay and being on the committee please contact

Duana Pera at 661-972-7595 or Lynda Frerichs at 661-823-7525.