[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 168 (Monday, November 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1621-E1622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AS THEY MARK 31 YEARS OF THE 
                             RELAY FOR LIFE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2015

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the American Cancer Society as they mark 31 years of the Relay For Life 
and bringing hope to communities across the country in the face of 
cancer. The American Cancer Society does lifesaving work and I join the 
organization in celebrating the progress it has made in the fight 
against cancer.
  The American Cancer Society Relay For Life was first started in 1985 
when Dr. Gordy Klatt ran and walked for 24 hours around a track in 
Tacoma, Washington to make a statement about cancer awareness. Dr. 
Gordy Klatt's efforts helped the American Cancer Society fight the 
nation's biggest health concern, and now, the Relay movement includes 
3.5 million people around the world. The Relay For Life is now in more 
than 5,200 communities and 20 countries around the world. The Relay For 
Life brings together cancer survivors, caregivers, and all those 
touched by cancer. It gives everyone a chance to remember those who 
have lost their battle with cancer and empowers those who must continue 
the fight.
  The Relay For Life began in Guam in the early 1990s and has steadily 
grown with most teams returning every year. 79 teams made up of 
families and businesses, and 280 cancer survivors and caregivers 
participated in the 2015 Guam Relay For Life. Together, the teams 
raised $470,000 and Guam Relay For Life was recognized for raising the 
second highest amount in the High Plains, South Territory which 
includes Guam, Hawaii, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska. 
Though Guam is a small community, it continues to be recognized on the 
national level based on its achievements and commitment to the fight 
against cancer.
  Cancer does not discriminate. It touches all of our people, young and 
old, and the people of Guam stand behind the American Cancer Society, 
and has taken an active commitment to join the cause of fighting 
cancer. The Relay For Life is celebrated annually throughout the world 
and survivors and caregivers proudly wear the color purple to symbolize 
royalty as they are honored during the Relay For Life. This year, the 
Guam community is beginning its 2016 Relay For Life festivities with 
``Paint Guam Purple'' week from November 8 to November 13, 2015. The 
goal of the ``Paint Guam Purple'' campaign is to make a visual 
statement of how the Relay For Life brings hope to a community and help 
increase participation, fundraising and volunteerism. Groups and 
individuals are encouraged to wear purple, decorate the town purple, 
and participate in activities to engage others to become involved.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I join the American Cancer Society 
in honoring cancer survivors, caregivers, those who have lost the 
battle to cancer and all those touched by the disease by pledging to 
``Paint Guam Purple'' through the week of November 8 to November

[[Page E1622]]

13, 2015. I congratulate the American Cancer Society Relay For Life and 
I look forward to their future contributions and success.

                          ____________________