Relay For Life
Learn About Relay For Life
What is Relay For Life?
What Is A Relay Event?
- Organized, overnight community fundraising walk
- Teams of people camp out around a track
- Members of each team take turns walking around the track
- Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie
- Family-friendly environment for the entire community
- Because it’s a team event, individual participants are not required to be there the entire time. But it's so much fun, you'll find it hard to leave!
What Makes a Relay Event Special?
Many moments create the unique Relay experience. Event details vary by location, but all events have key moments in common:
Relay for Life - Manhattan
Why We Fundraise
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.
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.
Survivors & Caregivers
If you’ve ever heard the words, “You have cancer,” we would like to invite you to attend your local Relay For Life event. As a cancer survivor, you’ll be a guest of honor and cheered on by your community. Cancer patient caregivers are also a major part of Relay For Life events and are honored for their support.
Whether you’re a survivor or caregiver, getting involved in your local Relay For Life event can introduce you to others who are facing the same challenges, and provide opportunities for learning, sharing, and friendship.
How Survivors Participate in Relay For Life
- Enjoy the Cancer Survivor’s Reception with a friend or family member
- Join fellow cancer survivors and caregivers in the opening lap of the event
- Participate on a Relay For Life team with friends and family members
- Share your commitment to fighting cancer and join your local Relay For Life Event Planning Committee
How Caregivers Participate in Relay For Life
- Walk alongsidethe person you have helped, if they are also present at the event, during the opening laps of the event
- Dedicate a Luminaria in honor or remembrance of the cancer fighters in your life
- Participate on a Relay For Life team with friends and family members
- Share your commitment to fighting cancer and join your local Relay For Life Event Planning Committee