[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 86 (Friday, May 17, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF RELAY FOR LIFE OF CANTON AND 
                                PLYMOUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 17, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Relay for 
Life event of Canton and Plymouth on the 25th anniversary of their 
efforts in the fight against cancer. The contributions that it has made 
to the Canton and Plymouth communities and in support of cancer 
research are worthy of commendation.
  Relay for Life began in 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt decided to raise 
money for the American Cancer Society (ACS) by walking around a track 
for 24 hours. Since then, Relay for Life has grown to over 5,000 annual 
events across the globe, raising over $5 billion in support of the ACS 
and cancer research, including in Canton and Plymouth, Michigan. Relay 
for Life brings together survivors, caregivers, and other community 
members to celebrate survivors, honor those who have lost the battle 
against cancer, and fight back against cancer as a united community. 
Today, Relay for Life is the largest annual not-for-profit fundraising 
event in the world, thanks in part to the efforts of the Canton and 
Plymouth Relay for Life.
  Since 1999, the Canton and Plymouth communities have been 
participating in the ACS Relay for Life event, and they have helped the 
ACS fund over $80.52 million in cancer research in Michigan and support 
more than 3.2 million cancer patients and their families. The success 
of Relay for Life would not be possible without the many community 
members and organizations that support it. The Relay for Life hosts 
numerous fundraising events a year at community institutions, and many 
community businesses support the Relay for Life of Plymouth and Canton. 
Along with dozens of fundraising teams and hundreds of participants, 
the Relay for Life of Plymouth and Canton has become a staple of 
support and service for the community.
  Dedicated to ending cancer as we know it and fighting for all who 
have been touched by cancer, Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth has 
shown its commitment to supporting the community throughout the past 25 
years. By funding 147 cancer researchers, aiding in resources for 
patients and caregivers, and bringing together a community of those 
touched by cancer, this event has commendably united and served the 
community. Relay for Life knows that everyone deserves to live a life 
without cancer and fights daily to make this possible.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
25th anniversary of Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth and the 
contributions it has made to the fight against cancer. For the last 25 
years, the event has brought together the Canton and Plymouth 
communities in support of the common goal to end cancer. Thanks to the 
efforts of all participants and volunteers, millions of dollars have 
been raised to fund cancer research in Michigan and support countless 
patients and families during their battles with cancer. We thank Relay 
for Life of Canton and Plymouth for its service to Michigan and are 
excited to see how the event continues serving the community.

                          ____________________