Relay For Life

Relay For Life (often shortened to Relay) is the main volunteer-driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. Originating in the United States, the Relay For Life event has spread to 21 countries. Relay events are held in local communities, campus universities, military bases, and in cyberspace. Although the main objective of Relay is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients, the event is held to spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and unite a community in the fight against cancer. It is estimated that Relay For Life events have raised over $3 billion to date. The first team to raise over $1 million is the Rosebud Miners, and the largest per capita fundraiser for a college or university is Loyola University Maryland. The largest virtual fundraising event is Relay For Life of Second Life, which has raised approximately $1,200,000 since 2004, including a record $373,098 in 2011.