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Becky VanLoon

Becky VanLoon, National RFL Lead

We are in that time of year where we are transitioning between the 2025 and 2026 Relay season. I have a couple requests of you this month:

 

#1 - If your event is done, please consider filling out the nomination for a Relayer, team, event, or Staff partner for the . There are some regions with no nominations so far and the deadline will be here soon.

 

#2 - As soon as you can after your event, work with your staff partner to transition your website to the next season. Everything doesn't have to be perfectly in place, but it really helps us (on the backend) to keep track of things.

 

#3 - Plan on joining us on , to launch the 2026 season officially.

 

#4 - THANK YOU to everyone who participated in Gold Together Day last week. It was absolutely inspiring to see $251,205 raised to help children in the fight against cancer!

 

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

Gold Together Day was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. In just one day, Relay For Life volunteers, teams, and supporters across the country came together to raise $251,205.98, surpassing our nationwide goal of $240,000 to fund childhood cancer research, advocacy, and family support through the American Cancer Society.

 

 

ACS Releases New Prostate Cancer Statistics Report

 

ACS has released​ Prostate Cancer Statistics, 2025, a report on current prostate cancer occurrence and outcomes in the United States. According to the study, prostate cancer incidence rates have reversed from a decline of 6.4% per year during 2007 through 2014 to an increase of 3.0% annually during 2014 through 2021, with the steepest increase (4.6%-4.8% per year) for advanced-stage diagnoses...The report also shows wide disparities.

 

 

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

We are in the transition between 2025 and 2026 Relay seasons. There are still 114 events in 2025!! Below are the numbers for both seasons:

 

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

  • Teams: 19,464 (down)
  • Participants: 137,883 (down)
  • Survivors: 29,933 (down)
  • Money Raised: $53,626,649 (up)

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

  • Teams: 1,134 (up)
  • Participants: 5,403 (up)
  • Survivors: 1,189 (up)
  • Money Raised: $702,442 (up)

 

Special Note:

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

 

Fundraising Levels:

  • 2025 Grand Club ($1,000 raised): 7,016
  • 2026 Grand Club ($1,000 raised): 81
  • 2025 Team of Excellence ($50,000 raised): 51
  • 2026 Team of Excellence ($50,000 raised: 0

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

 

Heidi Varner, National Relay Team Member

--Where do you live? Midland, MI

--Reason for Relay-ing: In memory of Aaron Varner and because funding of cancer research is VITAL.

--If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Empower others to find and share kindness

--Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip

--Book you recommend: "Grady Lake" by J.L. Hyde (any of her books actually)

--What is one thing you would like other volunteers to know: I am here to help you find your voice to fight back against cancer

Meet Owen and Amy – The Face Behind Gold Together Day 2025

 

A childhood cancer survivor, Owen Hart bravely battled leukemia from ages 2-4. Now 7 years old, he’s celebrating three years off treatment! Owen’s passions include arcade games, football, and participating in Relay For Life events.

 

His mom, Amy, had just moved to Florida when Owen was diagnosed. Navigating a new city as a single parent while facing a life-changing diagnosis was overwhelming. But through the support of the Relay community, Amy found hope and connection. Inspired by the ability to bring awareness to childhood cancer in her community, she first attended an event two hours from her home and she later started a team in her own city. That is where these photos were taken.

 

Amy is passionate about teaching Owen the power of giving back. By sharing his story, they help others understand the complexities of childhood cancer. Though Amy often says she wishes she could do more, she’s beginning to see the ripple effect of her efforts—how their journey inspires others to get involved and make a difference.

In Global Relay For Life, September is the month where we open nominations for the Global Heroes of Hope program. Nominations for this award are made by the staff at the Relay For Life partner organizations in each country. The Global Relay For Life Heroes of Hope Program profiles cancer survivors and caregivers whose work exemplifies the mission of their cancer organization and Relay For Life.

 

Heroes of Hope inspire hope, courage, and determination in the fight to eliminate cancer. They display a resilient attitude and inspire others to choose a proactive and positive stance on cancer survivorship.

 

As ambassadors of their country’s cancer organization, Heroes of Hope inspire other survivors & caregivers and expand the bounds of cancer survivorship. These volunteers lead in growing their country’s Relay For Life, increase participation, and encourage others to take action and fight against cancer.

 

The Global Team facilitates nominations and selection of Heroes annually, then work with the heroes to train them on how to share their story and how to deliver their organizations mission as part of that story. Heroes are welcomed into the network where current and alumni Heroes connect, share stories and ideas as well as offering each other support and friendship.

 

This amazing network of cancer survivors is at the heart of what the Global Relay network is all about.

 

One of the many inspirational Heroes is Anthea Lewis from South Africa. .

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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You can always contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-227-2345

or at .

 

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