Relay For Life®

For more than 40 years, communities across the country, and around the world, have come together through the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® walks to honor and remember loved ones, celebrate survivors, and take action to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

Relay For Life is more than an event; it’s a volunteer-powered movement. Survivors, caregivers, families, friends, and passionate community members unite to raise funds that fuel the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission through advocacy, research, and patient support.

The best way to get involved is to join your local Relay For Life event as a participant, team captain, or survivor. From there, there are even more opportunities to make an impact — from helping on event day to serving on your local leadership team.

Whether you participate as an individual or with friends, family, or coworkers, every Relay For Life event is powered by people coming together to make a difference. Thanks to its unique volunteer-driven model, Relay For Life is the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer.

Ways to Get Involved

• Join your local Relay For Life event as a participant, team captain, or survivor.
• Fundraise to support the American Cancer Society mission.
• Volunteer to support event-day activities and community engagement.
• Serve as part of your local Relay For Life Event Leadership Team.
• Help create new ways to celebrate, remember, and take action year-round.

Find your local Relay For Life event to get started. Once you sign up, your local staff partner can help connect you with additional opportunities to make an impact!

Location

Relay For Life events exist in nearly 1,000 communities nationwide, and we also offer Relay USA for anyone, anywhere.  

Time Commitment

Varies depending on your role and level of involvement. Flexible opportunities are available.

Training

• Event Leadership Team members may complete training and orientation specific to their roles.
• Day-of-event volunteers may receive on-site training.

Benefits

By participating in Relay For Life, you’ll help create a world where cancer no longer threatens our loved ones. It’s an opportunity to honor survivors and caregivers, remember those we’ve lost, support your community, build friendships, learn new skills, and have fun, all while making an incredible impact.

Volunteer Positions and Responsibilities

• Team members and team captains lead fundraising and participation efforts before and during the event.
• Event Leadership Team members help plan and promote the event, recruit and motivate teams and sponsors, and create a meaningful day-of experience through ceremonies and community activities.
• Day-of-event volunteers support logistics, participant engagement, information booths, setup/tear down, and more.

Additional Requirements

• Requirements vary by role.
• Participants (team members or captains) must register for the event.
• Many volunteer opportunities are posted directly on your local Relay For Life event website.

Get Started