The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the only Global walk that stands for every cancer while we walk for every life. Since 1985, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change.

At Relay For Life, you'll find community members taking turns walking a path or track lined with luminaria bags. You'll have the opportunity to cheer for local survivors (or participate as a survivor yourself) in our first lap of the day. Caregivers of cancer patients (currently or previously diagnosed) will then be invited to join the Survivors. Local entertainers will keep you energized. As it gets dark, we will light the luminaria bags surrounding the track in a memorable luminaria ceremony. There will be opportunities to fundraise & fight back!

Who We Are

The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization working to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Learn more about who we are, what we do, and our plans for the future by exploring the areas below.

What We Do

While most people know us for our research, we do so much more. We work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We advocate for lifesaving policy changes. We promote healthy lifestyles to help you prevent cancer. We research cancer and its causes to find more answers and better treatments. We provide information, answers, and support to people in every community who have been touched by cancer. And we do it all 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The American Cancer Society is proud to hold top ratings from Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, and Candid, all widely recognized and respected charity rating and watchdog groups, demonstrating our continuing commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical practices.

• The American Cancer Society holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator, the highest possible rating an organization can achieve.

• The American Cancer Society holds the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance National Charity Seal, which certifies the American Cancer Society adheres to the Alliance's strong and comprehensive standards, a certification given only after rigorous BBB review and approval.

• The American Cancer Society holds a platinum seal of transparency from Candid, indicating the highest level of transparency and completeness of an organization's profile.

• 80% of our expenses go directly to fund our mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

You can give with confidence knowing your gift, of any amount, is used to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.