WHY Relay

More than just a fundraising walk, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. This volunteer-led experience unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.


Although each Relay For Life event embraces the uniqueness of the home community, every event does have the same four signature elements: a celebration of cancer survivors, a celebration of caregivers, a luminaria ceremony to honor and remember loved ones, and the opportunity to fight back against cancer.

JOIN A RELAY

Join A Relay

Though Relay For Life may look different than it has in the past, our passion and commitment remain the same.
There are now more ways than ever for anyone, anywhere, to join the Relay community.

Find A Participant Or Team

PUTTING MORE THAN A CENTURY OF EXPERIENCE TO WORK

As a recognized leader in cancer research, the American Cancer Society knows that cancer patients and their families are counting on us to help save and improve lives each and every day. We are putting 100+ years of lifesaving experience to work through investments in cancer research, ensuring greater access to quality care, influencing public policy, and providing patient support. Thanks in large part to these decades of work, a cancer diagnosis does not come without hope, and the cancer journey is not one that is traveled alone.

Research Logo

More than $400 million currently invested in cancer research grants (as of April 2023).



We respond to about 300,000 requests and more than 119 million visitors to cancer.org.

Support Logo

141,500 patients and caregivers received information, referrals, and patient programs and services in 2022.

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Relay events near you

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My Relay Experience

For over 27 years, Nan has been spreading the word about The American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. A tireless volunteer, caregiver, and cancer survivor, she founded the Virginia Beach Relay For Life event. Watch Nan's story, then join us or start your own team today.

Why Join Relay For Life?

1 in 3 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. One of those people could be you or someone you love. That's why we Relay. When you join a Relay For Life event, you're helping the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking research, crucial patient care programs, and education and prevention information. When you Relay, you help save lives.

Join a Relay
Relay For Life Celebration Photo

Celebrate & Remember with a Luminaria

We remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those in treatment by dedicating Luminaria bags. Each Luminaria bag is personalized with a name and or message and illuminated after dark at every Relay For Life event.

Honor a Loved One

When Communities Come Together

The money raised through Relay For Life events helps realize the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives, celebrate life, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

Donations are used to fund life-saving cancer research, patient support services, prevention and education information, and detection and treatment programs. Here's how the money raised last year is helping make a difference.

$406 million

Funding potentially life-saving cancer research grants.

1.2+ million

Calls and chats from patients/caregivers seeking info and support.

456 thousand

Nights of free lodging provided to patients at Hope Lodge®.

Our Partners

Become a partner
Relay For Life events are unique, life-changing cancer fundraising events that help communities across the globe fight back against cancer. Learn more here.