What is Relay For Life?

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, we are creating a world with more birthdays a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life.

Why Relay?

Relay For Life is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back. And every person who participates joins others around the globe as part of this worldwide movement to end cancer.

Everyone’s reason to Relay is as unique as their own personal story. At Relay, you can find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one to the disease. You have a chance to meet people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer in our lifetime. You can thank all the people who have done so much to support you through your personal cancer experience. And you can gather together with friends, family, and colleagues to laugh, cry, and create lasting memories.

No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life.

Who can participate?

Anyone can participate in Relay For Life. Teams of people from all walks of life have fun while raising much-needed funds and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save lives. The success of Relay For Life depends on individuals who commit to raising money and the people who donate to them. Friends, families, neighbors, classmates, companies, sports teams, etc., can form their own teams. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

Is there a registration fee?

The only requirement to participate in Relay For Life is the $10 registration/commitment fee (per person) that is due upon registration. After that, anything you can raise through individual, team, or online fund-raising is graciously accepted.

Is there a required minimum amount to raise?

There is not a required amount of money to raise in order to participate in Relay For Life. The American Cancer Society’s recommendation is for each participant to set a personal goal to raise $100. If you raise more, that’s even better. If you do not raise $100, you are still welcome to participate. We’re glad to have you.

What is a team captain or team member?

Team captains and team members are the “foot-soldiers” in the fight against cancer. Teams are made up of 8-15 people who share a passion and commitment to raise money throughout the year. Fund-raising efforts are culminated and celebrated at community Relay For Life events.

Team captains lead their team by attending monthly update meetings in their community. Team captains are the liaisons between the event committee and their team. Team captains organize and delegate needs for the team’s fund-raising events throughout the year as well as for the team’s participation in activities throughout the night of the event.

Relay For Life events typically last 12-24 hours. In order to make sure that each team is represented on the track at all times, you’re going to need team members. Some will walk in the afternoon. Some will walk in the evening. And yes, some will even walk the “zombie” shift (the wee hours of the morning). Team members also help support Relay by participating in team and individual fundraisers throughout the year.

To register, sign up online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is a survivor?

A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “You have cancer.” We invite all cancer survivors in the community to attend Relay For Life because they are the reason we Relay. Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer so they can celebrate another birthday. When you support the American Cancer Society’s mission to help save lives, you are doing just that.

What is a Luminaria?

Luminaria are bags, each with a special meaning, that are illuminated during one of the most moving parts of any Relay For Life event, the Luminaria Ceremony. Some luminaria celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer and have lived to tell their stories. Many remember the lives of loved ones who have been lost to this disease. All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.

How can people get involved in Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society’s fight to save lives?

There are numerous ways that you can help the American Cancer Society as we fight to save lives by helping people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

You can:

* Sign up online as a Relay For Life team captain or team member. If you choose to become a team captain, we’ll help give you the tools you need to gather a team to Relay with you.