What is Relay for Life?

Vanderbilt University economics alumnus Chase Berlinghof's charitable work includes his service as philanthropy chair for the Tennessee Nu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, coordinating the fulfillment of community service obligations by fraternity members. In line with his philanthropic efforts, Chase Berlinghof is a strong supporter of the Relay for Life charity. Relay for Life is a fundraising initiative sponsored by the American Cancer Society that helps raise awareness and further research efforts to help find a cure for the illness. Every year, more than four million people across 20 countries participate in the event, which not only focuses on helping to find a cure for those currently suffering from the disease but also on honoring those who have survived and remembering those who lost the fight against cancer. The event was first conceived in 1985 at a Tacoma, Washington track, where Dr. Gordy Klatt decided to walk and run for 24 consecutive hours to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. The next year, 340 people joined in with Klatt to help raise money to fight cancer. Since then, Relay For Life has become one of the biggest fundraising and cancer awareness programs in the world, and has raised almost $5 billion over the past 30-plus years.