So... What is Relay For Life Anyway?

Relay For Life 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.

What Happens at a Relay?

Relay starts with a Survivors Lap – a inspirational time when survivors are invited to kick off the event, circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer.

After dark, we honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Last, there is a Fight Back Ceremony, where we make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. That personal commitment may be to do something as simple as getting a screening test, quitting smoking, or talking to elected officials about cancer.

It's important to note that anyone can participate in a Relay For Life event. You can join an existing team, start your own team, or participate as an individual. Check out this virtual tour of a Relay event.

Everyone's reason to Relay is unique. Some find healing, comfort, and support from others who have faced cancer or who have lost a loved one. Others enjoy meeting people in the community who are equally as passionate about finding an end to cancer. Find a New Mexico Relay For Life event and join with your community to celebrate survivors, remember those we have lost, and fight back against cancer.

Cancer Survivors And Caregivers Are Celebrated At Relay For Life

Survivors are the reason we Relay.

A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “You have cancer.” And we invite all cancer survivors in the community to attend Relay For Life. Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer – so they can celebrate another birthday. This year more than 11 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

Most Relays open with the Survivors Lap where cancer survivors lead the way around the track while being honored and applauded by all participants. The Survivors Lap is an inspirational and emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year.

We also recognize and celebrate caregivers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who face cancer. At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed.

Anyone can participate in Relay For Life. Friends, families, neighbors, classmates, sports teams, etc., can form their own teams. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

Find a Relay For Life near you and please join us.

Luminaria and Relay For Life

Luminaria sales are a very effective way to fundraise for your Relay event. The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most memorable aspects of the Relay experience; a time to honor cancer survivors and a time to remember those we have lost.

Work with your event’s Luminaria subcommittee to encourage committee members and teams to promote luminaria donations. Some events ask for a minimum donation, and others leave the amount up to the donor. The Luminaria subcommittee decides what is best for your local community.

For additional information on the Luminaria Ceremony or fundraising through luminaria, please refer to the Fundraising Development Guidebook in the Committee Chair Tools section on RelayForLife.org. You can also find helpful information and tips from other Relayers in the Luminaria Forum as well as the Fundraising Forum.

Remember, you can continue to sell luminaria after the ceremony is over. Many latecomers will appreciate the opportunity to remember and honor their loved one.

Thanks for all you do for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life!

The Power Of Purple

Communities across America, from big cities to small towns, are ready to turn purple. Help your community get ready to participate in the Relay event by spreading the word about Relay For Life in your school, your workplace or any place where people gather. It's an opportunity to invite others to take up the fight.

Sharing the Power of Purple is easy and fun! Just hang up some purple decorations, wear your favorite Relay gear or purple shirt, even screw a purple bulb into your porch light. Show your purple pride in all you do! You can pick a day to make a splash in your community, or you can encourage other Relay participants to keep the purple going until the day of your event.

Check out these Power of Purple Toolkits for ideas

• Share the Power of Purple in Your Town
• Share the Power of Purple in Your School
• Share the Power of Purple in Your College Campus
• Share the Power of Purple in Your Workplace
• Power of Purple Promotional Materials

You can find a list of upcoming Relay For Life events on the Relay For Life website. Thank you so much to all of our volunteers and communities for your continued support!