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Becky VanLoon

Becky VanLoon, National RFL Lead

A few weeks ago at work, I shared a bit of frustration about people expecting me to just know what they wanted. I joked, “I must have failed my mind reading course, because I have no idea what you want unless you tell me!” That moment got me thinking…

 

We’ve all felt that way at some point—wondering why something didn’t happen or why someone didn’t respond the way we expected. But often, the answers are out there—we just haven’t asked the right questions to uncover them.

 

Take this example: “Why didn’t ACS email me that message when someone else got it?” There could be a few reasons:

--Maybe you’re using a work email, and it got filtered out

--Maybe you changed jobs and didn’t update your contact info

--Maybe you set your ACS account to not receive emails, and they can’t change that without your permission

--There are lots of possibilities, but ACS can’t read your mind. If something seems off, reach out to your staff, they’re there to help!

 

Here’s another one: “Our event is the same weekend every year, why do people not know that?” Truth is, it’s not their job to know/remember. If you’re actively promoting Relay in your community, people will know! Is your event on the community calendar? Are there signs around town? Are you spreading the word? Communities change—people move, jobs shift—so being proactive is key.

 

And finally: “Why aren’t people coming to our Relay?” Well…have you asked them? Don’t just ask other Relay folks, ask the people who aren’t showing up. Their feedback is what will help you grow.

 

This is your reminder, and mine, that we don’t need to be mind readers. Instead, let’s focus on asking the right questions and opening up the conversation. That’s how we find the answers.

 

Have any questions? and I can either help or connect you with your someone who can.

 

This photo (click the link above for the photo) shows a clear “win” from a phase 1 clinical trial of a new treatment for children who have already been heavily treated for neuroblastoma...

 

We’ve followed these studies at Baylor College of Medicine since Heczey received his first ACS research grant in 2016. That’s when he was genetically adapting CAR T-Cell therapy to treat neuroblastoma. Later, on a TheoryLab podcast, Heczey talked about his work with neuroblastoma (and with pediatric liver cancer). And, we reported on his progress when he initiated his experimental treatment’s first clinical trial.

 

These images are from updated interim phase 1 trial results published in Nature Medicine. At this phase, anti-tumor activity wasn’t the first goal, so it’s much too early to deem this new treatment a success. What researchers did conclude was:

  • The CAR-NKT was safe.
  • Engineered CAR-NKTs multiplied after infusion as they needed to and went to places where the cancer had spread.
  • Anti-tumor activity was demonstrated in some patients.
  • The CAR-NKT therapy can be enhanced by disrupting a gene that promotes neuroblastoma growth, improving antitumor responses in preclinical trials.

, photo, and other information on the research for this childhood cancer.

2025 Nationwide Event Season Numbers (year-over-year):

  • Teams: 19,057 (down 8%)
  • Participants: 133,436 (down 5%)
  • Survivors: 28,596 (down 3%)
  • Money Raised: $50,554,397 (up 1%)

Special Note:

Please encourage signing up for Relay but also fundraising. For fundraising and , check out .

 

Fundraising Levels:

  • Grand Club ($1,000 raised): 6,615
  • Team of Excellence ($50,000 raised): 45

A special CONGRATULATIONS to events that reached goal. Some of these events have reached goal even before their event. Do you want to congratulate them? and go to the event website to reach out and congratulate them.

"We rise by lifting others" -Robert Ingersoll

Shelle Arnold, National Gold Together Lead

--Where do you live? Topeka, KS

--Reason for Relay-ing: I Relay to keep the memory of my late daughter-in-law, Becky Arnold, alive. I promised her she would never be forgotten. I want everyone to know about Gold Together. I want ALL the kids to have a place at Relay.

--If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The power of positive persuasion. So that more people will just say "yes" - yes to sponsorship; yes to forming or joining a team; yes to donations; yes to more money for research; YES to whatever I'm needing :)

--Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate Chip

--Book you recommend: "What I Wish I Knew Before Cancer" by Nicholas Parscale

--What is one thing you would like other volunteers to know: I love volunteering for ACS. I have met some of the most amazing people while volunteering and made life-long friends. Some days volunteering is hard work, but in the end it's worth every drop of sweat, sore muscles and any tears that are shed along the way.

September 10 is "" and every single penny raised by all Relay For Life events – community and collegiate – will be “restricted” or designated toward pediatric cancer research and awareness!

 

We are counting on all of you to help reach our goal of $140,000 for the kids. A leaderboard will track our progress towards this goal, and your team’s efforts will be highlighted! Get your team ready and set your goals! I’m here to support you every step of the way.

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a challenge brewing just for you!

 

We challenge you to have your team registered by September 1st and that your team is affiliated with Gold Together.

 

 

Why Your Fundraising Matters:

⭐ 1 in 257 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer before age 20

⭐ Every week, 286 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in the U.S.

⭐ 1 in 5 children do not survive childhood cancer—more research means better outcomes

⭐ Every 2 minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer somewhere in the world

 

Let’s Go Gold Together!

You’ve already committed to making a difference—now, let’s make September a record-breaking month for childhood cancer fundraising. Set your team goal, rally your supporters, and be a champion for kids.

 

Together, WE CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT!

Nominations can be made by fellow volunteers with support from ACS staff. The Nationwide Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Award will be selected by the Nationwide American Cancer Society Fundraising Leadership Teams (NCFLT) for both Community and Campus events.

  • To access the flyer and nomination form, (it's on ACS Resources).
  • Questions - Email
  • Deadline to submit a nomination is NOVEMBER 7, 2025

ACS Names Shane Jacobson as CEO

 

ACS and its advocacy affiliate the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) today announced Shane Jacobson as their chief executive officer, effective August 12, 2025. He steps into the role following Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick who served as interim CEO of both organizations since November 2024.

 

Jacobson currently serves as CEO of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, where he leads a team focused on accelerating game-changing research and funding top scientists. An accomplished and enthusiastic leader with more than two decades of nonprofit experience, including 15 years in nonprofit executive management, Jacobson has a proven record of leading organizations to achieve record setting results and mission driven outcomes. Prior to his time at the V Foundation, Jacobson was president and CEO of the University of Vermont Foundation.

 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Shane Jacobson to the next chapter of the American Cancer Society,” said Terri McClements, chair of the American Cancer Society board of directors. “He is a bold, mission-driven leader with integrity and the proven ability to align purpose with performance. His leadership, passion, and deep belief in the urgency of our work will make a difference in countless lives. With him at the helm—we are poised for even greater impact in the fight against cancer.”

 

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

 

photo source: Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has been an ACS partner since 1999 and is our second longest running partner and the most advanced in youth engagement.

 

In 2024, CCS hosted 220 Youth Relays in high schools and universities across the country, these events saw 51,205 youth participants take to the track to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.

 

In addition to youth engagement, through Relay, CCS has built out a youth advocacy program.

 

The purpose of the Youth Troop is to educate and raise awareness about the implications of cancer as well as the process of screening cancer. These ideas are supported by the mission statement of the CCS but made possible through the participation of local schools and their students.

 

The goal of the program is to increase awareness about cancer prevention within our local high schools to ensure a healthier future all while providing a meaningful and flexible volunteer experiences in their efforts to obtaining their 40 hours of community service requirement.

 

With such a strong focus on youth engagement programs CCS is building an army of lifelong supporters who will bring their CCS volunteer career with them as they progress from high school to university and on into the workplace. They have already seen this come to fruition with former youth Relayers becoming teachers and bringing Relay to their new school.

 

Follow these links to discover more about and the in Canada.

For nearly 30 years, Jim and Olyvia Eldridge have dedicated their time and talents to ACS, starting as Relay For Life participants in 1996 in Naples, FL. Their involvement grew from local events to regional and national committees, and even advocacy in Washington D.C. They found an outlet to make a tangible difference, supporting community members battling cancer.

 

Beyond their active volunteerism, Jim and Olyvia recently made a significant decision: they included ACS in their estate plans. This act of legacy giving ensures their commitment to ACS’ mission will continue to benefit others for years to come. Their dedication has even inspired their children and grandchildren to get involved.

 

Jim emphasizes that any size gift makes a difference, funding critical research that can impact future generations. "Just do it. It's simple," he urges, highlighting that legacy giving is accessible to everyone. Olyvia adds, "Be passionate about it. Make time for the things that matter to you."

 

This August we recognize National Make-A-Will month, a crucial annual reminder to think about your future and create or update your will. To help ease the burden of this process, ACS offers our supporters access to a free online will planning tool through our partnership with GivingDocs. Giving Docs even makes it easy to support ACS and other causes you care about.

 

Visit to access and learn more about how you can leave a legacy to ACS.

Take a look at what Relays are in the News!

Some of these stories are SO cool and you have a whole month before I send the next round out! Take a look. You might find a great idea from another Relay from anywhere in the world!!

Do you have a photo from your event that you would like to have shared? Or a story link to share about your event? Email me at . Be sure to include your event name and location along with your name when you email me.
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