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Becky VanLoon, National RFL Lead
This month, I have a challenge for you.
Please be sure that you are keeping your websites up-to-date. You may think because you know how you are doing that is all that is necessary, but it really is so much more than that.
If you are new to an area and want to get involved in Relay, but you see no one/few registered (which includes the ELT) and no one/few are actively raising funds in the community...why would you want to be a part of this? If you are going to go visit a Relay and base your attendance on the information on the site and show up and no one is there because of changes that didn't get updated...are you ever going to want to go again? It is not just about what is easy for you, it is about attracting new people. It is about making information easy and available for others to find.
It is about being accurate. For example, reporters get information your site.
In a recent article I saw this quote there...as seen in this quote from article "So far, the American Cancer Society’s website shows that over $40,000 has been raised." Had they raised more? Is this accurate? It was telling people to go to the website.
Let's make this just as important as being sure the four signature elements (celebration of survivors, celebration of caregivers, meaningful luminaria, and opportunity to fight back) are being represented at Relay.
This past week Thelma Suson passed away.
She was a fierce warrior in the fight against cancer with such a sweet smile and personality.
Sadly, I was only able to meet Thelma on video calls but could tell that she as a woman with passion and kindness that extended to so many.
Please take a couple minutes to read through the tribute below and to keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
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It is with profound sadness that ACS mourns the passing of Thelma Suson—an extraordinary volunteer, leader, cancer survivor and advocate within our Relay For Life community.
Thelma’s unwavering dedication and global impact helped shape Relay For Life into a beacon of hope for cancer survivors, caregivers, and communities worldwide.
In November 2024, Thelma received one of Relay’s highest honors: induction into the Relay For Life Hall of Fame. Bryan Sherwood, Senior Director of Relay For Life, was among those who presented the award and captured the essence of her impact: “Thelma’s compassion, vision, and tenacity have inspired global change and brought hope to so many—she truly embodies what Relay stands for.”
Read the full article honoring Thelma here.
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There's no place like Hope Lodge®
Each year, 200,000 people travel 40+ miles to receive the cancer treatment they desperately need, and this number is growing. With a typical cancer regimen of surgery and radiation lasting six to eight weeks, travel often skyrockets the cost of care. Lodging alone can cost up to $17,000.
People who live in rural communities, or in cities that lack a high-quality cancer center, do not have the same access to care as those who live near a major cancer center or those who can afford to temporarily relocate to seek care.
This can prevent people from taking part in clinical trials or even cause them to miss important treatments.
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge® communities help people facing cancer access vital treatment when they need it most. Currently the Hope Lodge program offers 1,100 rooms at 31 Hope Lodge locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Hope Lodge communities provide a free place to stay during treatment so people with cancer can focus on getting better.
Hope Lodges are in 31 existing locations across the US and Puerto Rico; have provided 6 million nights of free lodging since 1970; saved $61 million in lodging costs per year for people with cancer; welcomed 31,000 people with cancer and their families; and provide 1.100 private guest rooms.
Never underestimate the power of the funds that you raise for the American Cancer Society.
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2025 Nationwide Event Season Numbers (year-over-year):
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Teams: 18,140 (down 8%)
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Participants: 124,818 (down 7%)
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Survivors: 25,370 (down 3%)
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Money Raised: $42,552,299 (up 3%)
Special Note:
Approximately 40% of signed up participants have raised $0. Please encourage signing up for Relay but also fundraising. For fundraising ideas
and resources, check out ACSResources.
Fundraising Levels:
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Grand Club ($1,000 raised): 3,733
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Team of Excellence ($50,000 raised): 27
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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? Follow this link
and go to the event website to reach out and congratulate them.
"We rise by lifting others" -Robert Ingersoll
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CAITLYN TANNER, Regional RFL Liaison
--Where do you live? Galion, OH
--Reason for Relay-ing: I hate cancer!
--If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Truth Spell, making others tell me the truth. I am surrounded by a lot of liars in my daily job and it would make my job easier and faster.... however sometimes the lies are enjoyable so maybe not.
--Favorite ice cream flavor: Strawberry
--Book you recommend: This is Where it Ends
--What is one thing you would like other volunteers to know: I want to help with any and all projects, I love getting to meet new volunteers and help others build various skills whether volunteer wise or otherwise.
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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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Want to see some of these GOLD TOGETHER shirts at your event? It’s not too late. Reach out to Shelle Arnold ([email protected]) for any questions you might have or any help you may need.
You don’t want to have a case of FOMO.
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Europe is the region with the most Global Relay For Life partners--nine total organizations.
Right in the center of this region is a partner who has Relays not only in Europe but also in some of its overseas territories including Islands in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean.
This partner has been Relaying since 2006...if you have not already guessed we are talking about the Ligue National Contra le Cancer from France.
Ligue Nationale host Relays across France as well as on the islands of Martinique, Guadalupe, and Reunion Island.
French is an official language in four Relay partner countries, but France is the only one where French is the only official language.
The other three countries being Canada, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
In 2023, French Relays engaged 189 teams with 26,000 participants walking the track.
Communities in this country range in variety from mountain towns to tropical islands all coming together to Celebrate cancer survivors, Remember loved ones lost, and to Fight Back against cancer. Take a look at this French Relay.
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ACS and Aflac are partnering to raise awareness of the critical role cancer screening and early detection play in helping prevent cancer and reduce its impact
Unfortunately, almost everyone will be touched by cancer in some way. As a leading* provider of supplemental cancer insurance, Aflac sees firsthand how cancer impacts individuals and families, not just physically, but financially and emotionally as well. That’s why we have long been a public champion, through our products, services, and community care, for cancer prevention and education. In short, we believe that your wellness matters.
Wellness matters. Your physical, financial, mental, and emotional wellness matters. Own it. Check out more information on cancer.org.
*LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report
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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!!
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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 [email protected]. Be sure to include your event name and location along with your name when you email me.
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