Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Relay for Life of Canton and Plymouth

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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.

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