American Cancer Society Relay For Life

The Relay for Life is an annual event taking place overnight where teams of 10 people take turns walking a track - the overnight walk symbolizes the walks that many of us have done on hospital floors and cancer wards, and reminds us that "cancer never sleeps". ACS provides money for research, education, prevention and services for those with cancer and their families.

Each Relay is organized by the local community, so each Relay is unique and different. However, most Relay events have some elements in common.

Decoration - Teams set up campsites with decorations around their team's theme. For example, "I Scream You Scream We All Scream For A Cure" might have an ice cream themed campsite. A team made up of bowling team buddies, "Strike Out Cancer" might have bowling themed decorations. Teams get as creative as they want, and there's often a decoration contest.

Survivor / Caregiver Ceremony - The Survivor and Caregiver Ceremony recognizes the people at Relay who have battled or are currently battling cancer. Their names are read, and they receive a small gift, such as a medal or pin recognizing their achievement. They are given a flower or other token to give to their caregiver. Then, survivors and caregivers have the honor of walking the first lap around the Relay track.

Luminaria Ceremony - The Luminaria Ceremony recognizes those who have been lost to cancer, as well as those who are survivors and fighters. Family and friends can purchase luminaria with the name of their loved on printed on them. The Luminaria Ceremony happens just after the sun goes down and it is dark. There is a ceremonial lighting of the luminaria candles by family and friends, and the names of those remembered are read aloud.

Games, Music and More - Relay events are fun for the whole family! Local communities may plan their own unique activities, but there is usually a DJ with music playing, games for the kids, and snacks and drinks. Karaoke, face painting, dunk tanks and bouncy castles are common activities at Relay.

Sunrise Ceremony / Final Lap- In the morning, there is a sunrise ceremony and final lap from all of the participants. At the conclusion of the lap, the top team names are announced.

My family started Relaying the year after my grandmother died of cancer. We didn't know much about Relay, but we had heard there was a cancer-fighting event in our hometown, so we went to the park the night it was being held and checked it out. It was such a fun, uplifting, hopeful event, and we decided that we would form a team and participate next year. Our first year, we didn't know what to expect, but we ended up being one of the top fundraising teams for our Relay! Since then, we've participated in the Relay For Life of Norridge, IL for nine years, and raised nearly $50,000 as a team. If you would like to donate to my team this year, please visit
my personal fundraising page.

Make your theme fun, personal, and significant to your team! Here are some ideas for American Cancer Society Relay For Life themes for your team.

School and University Themes - Fighting Irish Fight Cancer, Wisconsin Warriors War Against Cancer

Holiday Themes - Christmas In July, Halloween Spooks Cancer, Winter Wonderland

Hobby Themes - Knitting For A Cure, Clowning Against Cancer, Poker Players For A Cure

Sports Themes - Bat Away Cancer, Bowl For A Cure, Touchdown For Cancer-Fighters

Food Themes - Ice Scream For A Cure, Serving Up A Cure, Cookies For Cancer Research

Work and Professional Themes - Manicurists For A Cure, Salon Cuts Against Cancer, Fighterfighters Fight Cancer

Entertainment Themes - Rock Against Cancer, Cancer-fighting Superheroes, Dance For A Cure, Luau For A Cure, Pirates Fight Cancer