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Becky VanLoon, National RFL Lead
I recently came across a graphic on social media (I wish I remembered who created it so I could credit them). It had a BIG KPI across the top and generally, when referring to KPI, it means Key Performance Indicators: numbers, dollars, and all the pressure that comes with them.
So naturally that's where my mind went.
Those are pretty important to keep on target and focused, but this graphic added in some additional KPI options that had me asking myself what would happen to our traditional KPIs if we focused just as much on these new ones as the traditional one.
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Keep People Involved
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Keep People Informed
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Keep People Interested
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Keep People Inspired
I try hard to keep people involved, informed, interested, and inspired, but my reach has its own limits. You though? You can expand the reach to people. You have the power to share "Around the Track." You have the power to ask your friends and family to join you. You have the power to share your stories. You have the power to carry these new KPIs forward.
Together we can turn these new KPIs into action in supporting the mission of the ACS and Relay For Life!
Please share with me how you are KPI-ing within your communities? Email me at [email protected].
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How Does Your State Compare on Cancer Prevention & Screening?
Your state can help protect you from cancer with policies, programs, and campaigns to reduce risk factors and support cancer screening.
Protection from cancer includes taking preventive actions that decrease your risk of developing cancer, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a healthy body weight and eating patterns, being physically active, avoiding excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure, and getting vaccinated against cancer-causing infections.
Getting screened for cancer at the recommended times is another protective action because screening helps find cancer at an earlier stage, which may mean less complicated treatments and a lower risk of dying prematurely from cancer.
The procedures for screening for cervical cancer and colorectal cancer can even prevent you from getting cancer in the first place.
You can take actions to help protect yourself from cancer—and your state can too with systematic interventions, such as policies, programs, and educational campaigns, to reduce cancer risk factors and to support the use of cancer screening.
Tables on the website, below, show states with the most vs.
least levels of protection from cancer risk factors and cancer screening uptake.
For information about your state specifically, use the dropdown list at the bottom of this article to see some of your state's data from the CPED Facts & Figures report on the ACS Cancer Statistics Center website.
Explore the website, here: https://www.cancer.org/research/acs-research-news/how-well-is-your-state-protecting-you-from-cancer.html
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Who can make nominations?
Anyone can make a nomination! You don't have to be staff. We want to see why you are proud of what your nominee has accomplished. (note: ACS Staff Partner can only be nominated by a volunteer)
When should we make a nomination?
Make the nomination as soon as you can after your event. That means everything is fresh in your mind.
When are the nominations due?
The due date is November 6, but get it in now! That way you don't have to worry about missing the deadline.
Is it hard?
Not at all! In fact, we have a new form that makes it easier than ever. Be sure that you are ready to include examples of fundraising growth and impact, support of the American Cancer Society mission, community or campus engagement, support of survivors and caregivers, and how the nominee exemplifies the spirit of Relay For Life.
Have Questions?
Reach out to: [email protected]
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2026 Nationwide Event Season Numbers (year-over-year): -
Teams: 16,443 (down)
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Participants: 114,576 (down)
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Fundraising Participants: 12,954 (down)
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Survivors: 25,520 (down)
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Money Raised: $36,778,886 (down)
Fundraising Levels: -
2026 Grand Club ($1,000 raised): 5,458
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2026 Team of Excellence ($50,000 raised): 35
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CHALLENGES
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Gold Together Day | September 10
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Fall Fundraising Challenge | coming to a Fall near you
TRAINING
*stay up-to-date with all upcoming and past trainings on ACS Resources at https://www.acsresources.org/relayforlife/training/)
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Did you know, Gold Together edition.
Did you know that there are currently 163 Gold Together teams registered this season? With over 1,100 Relay For Life events nationwide, that means that Gold Together is participating in about 16% of Relay For Life events.
Did you know that money raised by Gold Together teams is directed to pediatric cancer research, programs, and services and advocacy? Advocacy, at a national level, helped pass several very important childhood cancer bills this past year.
Did you know that the ACS is currently funding 86 multi-year research grants, totaling $51 MILLION Dollars, specific to childhood cancer? This is HUGE!
Did you know it’s super easy it is to start a Gold Together team at your event? When you register your team, you designate the "company" as Gold Together. If you need help, reach out to your Staff partner OR Shelle Arnold [email protected]
Did you know that Gold Together Day is coming? Save the date for September 10, 2026!
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Australia has been a Relay For Life partner since 1999. Below we are highlighting one special event that takes place in Australia.
Casey Relay For Life is based in the vibrant south‑eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, and for over 20 years has been a powerful expression of community spirit, resilience, and hope. Since its inception in 2004, Casey Relay has raised just under $5 million AUD and continues to grow each year.
This event brings together a passionate and dedicated community, with many teams proudly participating since the very beginning. It’s more than just a fundraiser, it’s a deeply meaningful event where survivors are celebrated, caregivers are honoured, and communities unite to support cancer research and services. The atmosphere is uplifting, inspiring, and full of heart, making it a highlight on our local calendar.
What sets Casey Relay apart is our distinctive 18‑hour format. This year, we’re also introducing an exciting new element— the “Twilight Pit Stop” an overnight activation designed to energise and reconnect participants during the night shift. Combined with our long-standing teams, strong community ties, and innovative spirit, Casey Relay continues to evolve while staying true to the core mission of Relay For Life.
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Take a look at what Relays are in the news! From creative fundraisers to inspiring survivor stories, Relays around the world continue to make headlines and inspire action. You might find your next great idea right here!
Global Relay For Life
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