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Becky VanLoon

Becky VanLoon, National RFL Lead

Happy ALMOST Spring!

 

I say almost because many of us up North just got buried in snow all over again. But you know what can’t get buried? Hope. And I truly believe that Relayers here in the U.S. and around the world bring so much of it.

 

So, here’s my almost‑spring encouragement: don’t let the world’s noise, the weather, or anything else bury you. Keep showing up. Keep moving forward. Keep being the hope.

 

Do you know Gordy? We celebrated our first Gordy Give Back Day in 2025, and we’re doing it again this year. This month, I’m sharing more about Gordy and the early days of Relay. Feel free to use it and share it—we can’t forget how and why we started.

 

And don’t forget: starts next week! Let’s see how many registered participants at your event can raise $100.

CARS FOR A CURE®

Rather than selling or trading in your used car or other vehicle, consider donating it to ACS. ACS has received top ratings as a car donation charity.

 

The process is easy for you, and they responsibly manage your donation. Your donation can help improve the lives of people facing cancer and their families by funding lifesaving research, advocacy, and free patient support programs and services.

 

Learn how you can give back at

 

The ACS Vehicle Donation Program has been recognized by: Forbes Advisor Best of 2025, USA Today Blueprint 2024, and Charity Navigator Four-Star.

2026 Nationwide Event Season Numbers (year-over-year):

  • Teams: 11,435 (down)
  • Participants: 60,682 (down)
  • Fundraising Participants: 32,493 (down)
  • Survivors: 12,174 (down)
  • Money Raised: $13,854,742 (up)

Fundraising Levels:

  • 2026 Grand Club ($1,000 raised): 1,899
  • 2026 Team of Excellence ($50,000 raised): 9

Do you know Gordy?

In the early 1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, was brainstorming new ways to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and help further the organization’s mission. Dr. Klatt was already a volunteer and held a leadership position on the local board for several years. He needed an idea that would be attention-grabbing.

 

That’s when it came to him. What if he could leverage something he loved – running marathons – to raise money and bring awareness to help stop the endless pain, suffering and loss due to cancer?

 

The idea started coming together. Dr. Klatt would spend 24 hours running around a track at Baker Field at the University of Puget Sound in north Tacoma. Donors could pledge $25 to spend a half-hour walking or running with Gordy on the track. This grueling feat would symbolize the energy and effort it takes to endure a cancer diagnosis. He spent the next year training for his day-long mission.

 

On the day of the event, roughly 300 people came out to cheer him on. Some patients, some friends, even his father. It wasn’t easy – at points, Gordy had to refuel with chicken soup after becoming hypothermic, and he began walking at the 18-hour mark. But when the day came to a close, Gordy had made it 83 miles.

 

He’d also raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society.

 

During his 24 hours of running, Dr. Klatt had plenty of time to think. And during his many laps, he pondered ways to get others involved in his new and novel idea. He also heard from his many cancer patients, who told him what an inspiration the event had been. What if more people participated? How much money could a larger group of runners raise for cancer research? What could a 24-hour team relay event look like?

 

What followed was the start of not just an event that would become a blueprint for fundraising, but a globally-recognized brand.

 

Source: https://cancerhistoryproject.com/article/the-history-of-relay-for-life/

*stay up-to-date with all upcoming and past trainings on ACS Resources at )

Did you know that ACS CAN and volunteers have been instrumental in passing childhood cancer legislation?

 

The Alliance For Childhood Cancer Action Days were held in Washington, D.C. on February 24 and 25. The event brought together a passionate group of 267 advocates from 37 states—including several dedicated Gold Together volunteers. Over 183 meetings with members of Congress and the Senate put a strong spotlight on the urgent needs of children facing cancer.

 

Among the inspiring Gold Together advocates were Tiffany and Lauren Willingham from West Virginia, Hannah Adams from Alabama, Lidia Rak from Florida, Laura and Cole Eicher from Florida, and I was honored to represent Kansas.

 

Together, we were more than happy to express our gratitude to our elected officials and their staffers for their continued support in prioritizing kids, particularly by passing the Accelerating Kids Access to Care and Mikaela Laylon Give Kids a Chance Acts.

 

While meeting with lawmakers, we not only thanked them but also urged their support for the continuation and increase of funding for vital initiatives like the Star Act, CCDI, NIH, NCI, and ARPA-H for fiscal year 2027. Our team shared personal stories, highlighting exactly why these requests are so meaningful to us, our families, and our communities.

 

The Alliance for Childhood Cancer, which represents more than 20 national patient advocacy groups and professional medical and scientific organizations, coordinated this impactful event. As a proud member of the Alliance, ACS CAN continues to champion these efforts alongside so many dedicated advocates.

 

Reach out to me (Shelle Arnold), if you would like to learn more:

CANSA Relay For Life: A Movement of Hope in South Africa

Since becoming a proud partner of the ACS in 2005, CANSA Relay For Life has grown into far more than a fundraising event in South Africa—it is a deeply meaningful community movement that unites people in hope, remembrance and action.

 

Relay For Life in South Africa is unique in its ability to bring together entire communities across diverse cultures, languages and regions. Often hosted as an overnight experience, Relays create a powerful space where cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters stand side by side—celebrating life, honouring those we have lost, and reinforcing that no one faces cancer alone.

 

What makes our programme especially impactful is its strong community ownership. Volunteer-led committees, supported by CANSA staff, drive each event with passion and local insight. Our National Advisory Team, made up of dedicated leader volunteers from across the country, plays a key role in shaping growth strategies and ensuring sustainability. Their commitment reflects the spirit of Relay in South Africa—by the community, for the community.

 

Equally inspiring is our Global Heroes of Hope programme. With more than 55 representatives since inception, these survivors and caregivers courageously share their stories, encouraging participation and raising awareness about early detection and CANSA’s care and support services. Their voices are at the heart of Relay, giving hope to others on similar journeys.

 

Over the past two decades, CANSA Relay For Life has made a remarkable contribution to cancer awareness and support in South Africa:

• 851 Relay events held since 2005

• Over 38,000 teams mobilised nationwide

• More than 54,000 survivors celebrated and honoured

• R117 million raised to support CANSA’s programmes and services

 

In the most recent financial year (2025/26) alone:

• 26 Relay events took place

• R2.8 million raised

• 1,300 survivors and 600 teams participated

These achievements are not just numbers—they represent lives touched, communities strengthened and hope restored.

 

Relay For Life plays a critical role in embedding CANSA within communities, increasing awareness of cancer risk reduction, early detection and the availability of care and support services. It also provides a platform to recognise the resilience of survivors and the dedication of caregivers—both essential pillars in the fight against cancer.

 

Importantly, Relay ensures that CANSA can continue its mission. As we often remind ourselves: No money, no mission. Funds raised directly enable us to deliver education, screening, and care services to those who need them most.

 

As part of a global movement that spans more than 30 countries, CANSA Relay For Life continues to evolve while staying true to its purpose. In South Africa, we step forward with intention, unity and hope, knowing that together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

 

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!
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