Who We Are
While the American Cancer Society is making progress toward a world without cancer, only with your dedication and fundraising efforts can we finish the fight against the disease.
With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay For Life experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten our loved ones or rob anyone of another birthday.
Make sure your team members and donors understand how important their contributions are by sharing how their support is making a difference:
Research
For more than 65 years, the American Cancer Society has been finding answers that save lives - from changes in lifestyle to new approaches in therapies to improving cancer patients' quality of life. No single nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization in the US has invested more to find the causes and cures of cancer. Learn More »
Hope Lodge®
Where to stay and how to afford accommodations are immediate concerns for cancer patients who must travel away from home for the best treatment. American Cancer Society Hope Lodge facilities provide a free and comfortable place for patients and their caregivers to stay, so they can focus on getting well. Learn More »
Road To Recovery®
Cancer patients frequently cite transportation to and from treatment as one of their most critical needs. The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program matches cancer patients with specially trained volunteer drivers. Learn More »
Look Good…Feel Better®
This free service teaches women battling cancer beauty techniques to help them improve their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Volunteer beauty professionals demonstrate makeup techniques, nail care, skin care, and options related to hair loss. Learn More »
Reach To Recovery®
Our Reach To Recovery support program matches specially trained breast cancer survivors with people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and want to talk to someone who has been there. These dedicated volunteers offer understanding, support, and hope.
What We Do
What Is Relay?
Organized, overnight community fundraising walk- Teams of people camp out around a track
- Members of each team take turns walking around the track
- Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie
- Family-friendly environment for the entire community
Because it’s a team event, individual participants are not required to be there the entire time. But it's so much fun, you'll find it hard to leave!
What Makes a Relay Event Special?
Many moments create the unique Relay experience. Event details vary by location, but all events have key moments in common:
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Survivors LapDuring the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer. |
Luminaria CeremonyThe Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer. Learn More » |
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Fight Back CeremonyThis emotionally powerful ceremony inspires Relay participants to take action. The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives. |
History of Relay For Life
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern – cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.
Details
| (641) 295-1714 | |
| mahaskarelay4life@gmail.com | |
| Wyatt or Amanda Russell | |
| Event Leads | |
| http://www.relayforlife.org/mahaskacountyia |
