Relay for Life

Date: 30 & 31 Mei 2009
Time: 6.00 pm till 10 a.m
Venue: Stadium Bukit Jalil

This is the third time RFL had been held in Malaysia. I do not know much about this programme. My limited understanding just that RFL it’s kind of fundraising events organized by cancer society. It’s looks fun as we are not going to sleep or if wanna to- can sleep around the tracks or in tents and participate those exciting activities that had been planned.

Why I’m joining the events?

Well..bile lagi nak tido berbumbungkan langit yang cerah, rumput yang menghijau sambil mengira bintang-bintang di langit (auta-mlm tuh tk der bintang).Ape lagi kalo kawan anda membawa gitar dan anda bersama teman-teman baik anda hentam sahajalah menyanyi apa sahaja lagu. Dan adakah ada malam yang tidak membenarkan anda tidur secara semulajadi dan anda dapat berjalan dan berjoging di balapan pada pukul 3 atau 4 am dengan selamatnya..

Yup..reason yang sungguh tidak praktikal.

But I’m also questioning-why Relay? Why at stadium? Why we need to keep circling the track? So back home, I’m gooogle to know more about RFL.

Relay For Life is a fundraising event of the American Cancer Society, and is now held in many other countries. It is an overnight event designed to spread awareness of cancer prevention, treatments and cures, celebrate survivorship and raise money for research to find more cures for cancer. Relay has developed into an overnight event where people bring tents and sleep out around the tracks. It is truly a great event where people of all ages come out to bring the community together and reminice of their loved ones who have passed from this terrible disease and honor those who have survived while raising money to fight for a cure.
[Taken from Wikipedia]

In the 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office and to show support for all of his patients who had battled cancer. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed – running marathons. Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the night, friends donated $25 to run or walk with Dr. Klatt for 30 minutes. His efforts raised $27,000 to fight cancer.
Dr. Klatt thought about how others could take part in his mission to fight cancer. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. In 1986, with the help of Pat Flynn- 19 teams took part in the first team Relay event on the track at the historic Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.
[Taken from http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/whatisrelay}

Well that’s answer my questions. No wonder the emcee keep asking us to walk around the track.:)


It is fun filled overnight event begin at 4pm by everyone start to build up their tents. Many activities had been held. Survivors lap, celebrity lap, backward lap, pyjama lap, school relay, college relay, endurance race, Ms.Relay Pageant, Mass Aerobic, Scavenger Hunt, Pillow War, Qi Gong Lap, Chicken Dance, poco-poco and final lap. Well, it’s RELAY. Also have free milo and free breakfast for all.

It’s quite tiring as I only slept for less than 2 hours. But I’m glad I’m joining the events- after google all the info- the events bring the message of HOPE to cancer patient that they can survive and to spread HOPE that we can avoid and survive from cancer. It’s not just a walk,it’s a life challenging experiences.