Relay For Life

Learn About Relay For Life

At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds you raise truly make a difference in the fight against cancer – just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!

Relay teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Relay events are up to 24 hours in length and, because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.

What is Relay For Life?

In more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries, Relay For Life events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each Relay For Life event is special to its community, but the movement's true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer.

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:

Survivors Lap

During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track.

Luminaria Ceremony

The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.

Fight Back Ceremony

The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.

Relay for Life - Manhattan

We hope to bring traditional community Relay For Life to Manhattan and engage the city in the fight against cancer. This is the city that never sleeps, after all, so an overnight event like Relay seems perfect!

When and Where is the event?

June 24, 2017 10am.

Hudson River Greenway-West Street and Warren Street, New York, NY

To learn more about the event, visit manhattanrelay.org or click here to download the information sheet.

Find an event near you, go to http://www.relayforlife.org

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.

Hope Lodge

Getting the best care sometimes means cancer patients must travel away from home. This can place an extra emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers during an already challenging time. The American Cancer Society is trying to make this difficult situation easier for both cancer patients and their families through Hope Lodge.

Road to Recovery

Every day, cancer patients need rides to treatment. Some may not be able to drive themselves, and family and friends cannot always help. Our Road To Recovery program provides rides to patients who have no way to get to their cancer treatment.

Look Good…Feel Better

In a Look Good…Feel Better session, trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry.

Reach to Recovery

If you have breast cancer, you may want to talk to someone who knows what you’re feeling – someone who has “been there.” Through our Reach to Recovery program, we can match you with a volunteer who will talk with you about coping with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

College Scholarships

The American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program is an opportunity exclusively for students with a history of cancer. Established in 2000, the program is designed to provide young cancer patients/survivors assistance in pursuing higher education from an accredited school.

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

There are many ways cancer survivors can participate in a Relay For Life event. For example, you can:

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

Anyone who has taken care of a cancer patient is considered a caregiver. At Relay For Life events, caregivers are recognized and invited to participate in many ways:

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

Awards & Recognition

It is with pleasure and appreciation and part of a long-standing tradition that we recognize the efforts and accomplishments of individuals and communities who help fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life.

Recognition is not just “a good thing to do”, it is a critical component in how we acknowledge, value, and thank our volunteers for their time and commitment to making a difference - - helping to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Educational Resources

What is Relay For Life - Manhattan (137.44 KB)