Find Cancer Support Programs and Services in Your Area

The American Cancer Society has programs and services to help people with cancer and their loved ones understand cancer, manage their lives through treatment and recovery, and find the emotional support they need. And best of all, our help is free.

Read below and follow the links to learn more about how we can help.

CANCER SURVIVORS NETWORK - Join our online community by and for people with cancer and their families. Find and connect with others through our member search, discussion boards, chat rooms, and private CSN e-mail. Create your own personal space to tell us about yourself, share photos, audio, etc, start an online journal (blog), contribute resources, and more.

ROAD TO RECOVERY (RIDES TO TREATMENT) - Every day, cancer patients need rides to treatment. Some may not be able to drive themselves, and family and friends cannot always help. Our Road To Recovery program provides rides to patients who have no way to get to their cancer treatment

HOPE LODGE (LODGING) - Getting the best care sometimes means cancer patients must travel away from home. This can place an extra emotional and financial burden on patients and caregivers during an already challenging time. The American Cancer Society is trying to make this difficult situation easier for both cancer patients and their families through Hope Lodge.

TLC (HAIR LOSS AND MASTECTOMY PRODUCTS) - The “tlc”magalog is the American Cancer Society’s catalog and magazine for women. It offers helpful articles and a line of products made for women with cancer. Products include wigs, hairpieces, breast forms, bras, hats, turbans, swimwear, and accessories. All proceeds from product sales go back into the American Cancer Society’s programs and services for patients and survivors.

REACH TO RECOVERY (BREAST CANCER SUPPORT) - If you have breast cancer, you may want to talk to someone who knows what you’re feeling – someone who has “been there.” Through our Reach to Recovery program, we can match you with a volunteer who will talk with you about coping with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

MAN TO MAN (PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT) - If you have prostate cancer, you may have many questions. Sometimes even asking for help can be hard. Our Man to Man program helps you learn about diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and ways to cope with prostate cancer.

I CAN COPE (CANCER EDUCATION CLASSES) - If you or someone you love gets cancer, you will have questions. Our I Can Cope classes can help you and your loved ones learn about cancer and how to take care of yourselves. The more you know about cancer, the better you can handle your treatment and decisions about your care.

I CAN COPE (ONLINE) - For a quick, easy way to learn important facts and practical tips about cancer and related issues, participate in our interactive online program, I Can Cope—Online. There is never any charge to participate, and you set the pace—whenever and wherever is most convenient for you.

LOOK GOOD...FEEL BETTER (HELP WITH APPEARANCE-RELATED SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATMENT) - In a Look Good…Feel Better session, trained volunteer cosmetologists teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetics and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry.

LOOK GOOD... FEEL BETTER FOR TEENS - Look Good...Feel Better for Teens is a unique, free program for teenage cancer patients ages 13 to 17. It helps them cope with how cancer treatment and side effects can change the way they look. The program addresses the needs of both boys and girls.

CIRCLE OF SHARING (PERSONALIZE YOUR CANCER INFORMATION) - If you have cancer, Circle Of Sharing can help you get the information you need about your diagnosis, find resources to help you cope, and share this important information with family and friends.

PATIENT NAVIGATOR PROGRAM (PERSONAL CANCER GUIDE) - The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program connects you with a patient navigator at a cancer treatment center. You can talk one-on-one with a patient navigator about your situation. This person will listen in your time of need. Call us at 1-800-227-2345, and we can tell you more about this program.

TELL YOUR STORY - Share your story and give hope to someone else facing cancer.

NFL and American Cancer Society Team Up For ‘A Crucial Catch’

As the nation marks the annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the American Cancer Society is joining the National Football League (NFL) and its owners and players with a breast cancer screening campaign, called “A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives.” This campaign reminds women 40 and older about the importance of getting a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year to find breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage.

Throughout October, NFL games will feature team owners, players, coaches and officials wearing pink game apparel to raise awareness for the campaign. Apparel worn at games by players and coaches and special footballs and pink coins will be auctioned off at NFL Auction, with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society and team charities.

This campaign also involves participation from Society volunteers and breast cancer survivors on a local level with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk. This non-competitive event unites entire communities to celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate people about how to reduce their breast cancer risk or find the disease early, and raise funds to help fight the disease.

Additionally, the Society’s advocacy affiliate, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), is participating in the Crucial Catch campaign by encouraging Congress to allocate more funding for cancer research, which will lead to a better understanding of breast cancer, the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as patient care. As Congress determines cancer research funding, ACS CAN and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer advocates are asking elected officials to use their role to make a difference and help to save more lives by maintaining and increasing funding for cancer research.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a lifesaving program that enables uninsured low-income women to receive free early detection tests for breast and cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the program’s current funding level only allows fewer than one in five eligible women to be tested. Greater funding of this program will permit more detection and help to save more lives, building upon the more than eight million screening exams that have already been completed.

More than 2.5 million Americans who are surviving breast cancer will celebrate a birthday this year thanks to the American Cancer Society and supporters like the NFL who are helping save lives. Fans can visit www.NFL.com/pink to learn more about reducing their risk of breast cancer and scheduling an early detection exam.

Arizona is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Since 1993, nearly 6 million walkers have raised more than $400 million through the American Cancer Society Making Strides events. Last year, almost 700,000 walkers across the country collected over $60 million to help create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

Join us for an inspiring event to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about the disease, and to help save lives. With every step you take, you'll be giving people facing breast cancer more candles to light.

Oct 31 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Tucson, AZ at Tucson Electric Park

Nov 6 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Phoenix, AZ at Tempe Beach Park.

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is as unique and special as the stories that motivate each of our dedicated walkers, donors and volunteers. Every step that we take is personal and each donation helps save lives. Making Strides walks are non-competitive and three to five miles in length.

There are many ways you can get involved. You can register to participate and

Start your own team

Join an existing team

Participate as an individual walker

Volunteer to help with walker check-in, refreshments, registration

Show your support by donating to a participant or the event

If you are outside of Arizona, you can still find an event near you and join us.

One of the ways the American Cancer Society is saving lives is by finding cures through groundbreaking research. The Society invests more in breast cancer research than in any other cancer type. Society-funded research has led to the discovery of lifesaving breast cancer treatments, including Tamoxifen and Herceptin. To learn more about Making Strides and how the dollars raised are making a difference, visit cancer.org/stridesonline and you can also read about the History of Making Strides. Thank you for your participation and your support!

Relay For Life - Fall Events in Arizona

It’s not too late to participate in an Arizona Relay For Life. There are a few events left in this year and we’d love to see you there!

If you haven’t signed up for Relay yet, it’s easy to find an event near you. You can join a team, start your own, or participate as an individual. There’s a place for everyone at Relay For Life and anyone can participate!

We invite you to come out and join us as we Celebrate survivors, Remember those we have lost, and Fight Back against this disease by working with elected and appointed officials to ensure that cancer remains a top local, state and national priority.

Here are the remaining Relay For Life events in Arizona:

September:

24 - Relay For Life of Sedona, AZ

October

2 - Relay For Life of Southwest Valley AZ (Goodyear)

2 - Relay For Life of Douglas AZ

22 - Relay For Life of Buckeye, AZ

November

13 - Relay For Life of Central Pinal County AZ (Casa Grande)

Learn about the Relay For Life National Team Program

The Relay For Life National Team Program is an excellent way for businesses, clubs and organizations to participate in the world’s largest nonprofit fundraising event, while boosting employee morale and team-building skills.

Staff and volunteers can find out how to recruit local teams, while local offices can find out how to get involved...all by clicking on one of the buttons below.

Corporate: Companies and Businesses

Corporate: International

Non-Corporate: Clubs, Non-Profits, Orgs

Youth: Youth groups/Associations

Relay For Life Events in Arizona

As it begins to heat up in Arizona, our Relay season begins to wind down.

To all of the volunteers who have participated in past Relays, we want to say a huge THANK YOU and let you know how much we appreciate all of your hard work and support for the American Cancer Society.

There are several Relay events taking place in a community near you in the coming weeks. There are more events scheduled this fall and you can always find a Relay near you. We invite you to come out and join us as we Celebrate survivors, Remember those we have lost, and Fight Back against this disease by working with elected and appointed officials to ensure that cancer remains a top local, state and national priority.

May 7:

Relay For Life of Sierra Vista, AZ

Relay For Life of Bullhead City, AZ

May 14:

Relay For Life of Copper Valley, AZ

June 4:

Relay For Life of Payson, AZ

June 5:

Relay For Life of Kingman, AZ

June 11:

Relay For Life of Prescott, AZ

June 18:

Relay For Life of White Mountains, AZ

Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer so they can celebrate another birthday. This year more than 11 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

The Power Of Purple

Communities across America, from big cities to small towns, are ready to turn purple. Help your community get ready to participate in the Relay event by spreading the word about Relay For Life in your school, your workplace or any place where people gather. It's an opportunity to invite others to take up the fight.

Sharing the Power of Purple is easy and fun! Just hang up some purple decorations, wear your favorite Relay gear or purple shirt, even screw a purple bulb into your porch light. Show your purple pride in all you do! You can pick a day to make a splash in your community, or you can encourage other Relay participants to keep the purple going until the day of your event.

Check out these Power of Purple Toolkits for ideas

• Share the Power of Purple in Your Town
• Share the Power of Purple in Your School
• Share the Power of Purple in Your College Campus
• Share the Power of Purple in Your Workplace
• Power of Purple Promotional Materials

You can find a list of upcoming Relay For Life events on the Relay For Life website. Thank you so much to all of our volunteers and communities for your continued support!

Are You Ready To Relay?

Relay For Life is an emotional, inspiring and fun event. It can be an even a better experience for Teams who have planned ahead and are ready to have a great time. You can always refer back to the the Celebrate.Remember.Fight Back Guidebook to make sure everything is set for your Relay.

Over the past few weeks, we've discussed everything leading up your “Relay Day.” To elevate your experience and that of your team members, there are just a few last things that you need to do to have a great time.

Jot down this last “to do” list:

Give everyone a job

Make a list

Get creative

Stay all night!

Team Captains: Your team needs some R&R. Not Rest and Relaxation just yet, but Roles and Responsibilities.

When everyone has a role on your team several things happen:

Each of your team members feels important – and feels as though he can personally contribute to the success of the team.

It makes their experience better – and yours – when everyone has a role.

Your team members will be more committed when they know that others are counting on them.

It gives everyone a reason to come to the event – and stay at the event.

You may want to divide up food items – one person brings chips. Another could bring sandwiches. Someone else could bring beverages. There will be food and other items available for purchase from other teams, but you will still want to have your own snack food at your campsite, too.

Many of the basic human needs are covered at Relay like water and restrooms, but most Relayers also like to have some creature comforts like lawn chairs, sleeping bags, sunscreen and a tent. And you never know when you’re going to need an umbrella – so bring that, too. And don't forget to bring coolers, snacks, blankets, flashlights and bug spray.

Throughout Relay there are activities and entertainment for participants of all ages – and those continue long after dark. Be sure that your team is involved in the fun and games. And if your Relay has team sponsored fun, encourage your team to host one of the activities like “Relay Idol”, Mr. Relay, scavenger hunts, face painting, tug of war, a dunking booth – or anything else you’d like to bring to Relay.

Thank you for your dedication and passion in this fight. Remember, the dollars you are raising will save more lives right here in your community. And that’s certainly something worth fighting for.

What Is Your Campsite Theme?

Now that you’re signed up for your local Relay For Life, you’ve gathered your friends and family to help raise money and walk, you just need to determine a fun team theme!

There is typically an overall theme for your Relay For Life event, and teams are encouraged to create a "team theme". While campsite themes are a fun part of the Relay For Life experience, participating is optional. All decorations must be safe and need to fit within your allotted campsite area. In addition, they must be set up and removed by your team. Remember not leave behind any items that you have brought in to decorate your site.

Here are a few ideas for themes and make sure to check out the Team Captain Toolkit for a complete list of suggestions!

Survivor Theme: Dedicate your site to a survivor, with their picture and favorite things as your logo.

Take Me out to the Ballgame: Each team could dress up as a Major League Baseball team.

Aloha Theme: Palm trees, swimming pool.

Pick a state theme and do everything around that – here are some examples:

-- California – Build your theme around San Francisco (Cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge) or Hollywood (movie stuff), etc.

-- Kansas – Do a Wizard of Oz theme!!! Have a Dorothy on your team, a Toto, and so on!

-- Louisiana – Build your team theme around the Mardi Gras! And New Orleans – Pass out beads on the track each lap, and so on!

Viking Ship theme: Dress with blond braids, horned hat, breastplates. Finally a chance to be a Viking king or queen!

Each Relay is different and unique, so make yours fun and have a wonderful time! THANK YOU to everyone for all of your support and good luck with your events!

Are You Up For The Challenge?

A few weeks ago we made a simple request of our American Cancer Society Relay For Life participants: send an email a day for one week asking for friends, family members, and co-workers to make a donation to support your Relay fundraising efforts.

That week we saw a noticeable boost in donations for this year’s Relay For Life, and we’d like to thank each and every one of you who took part in our “challenge.” Because of you, we are saving lives and creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

With so many upcoming Arizona Relay events including Arizona State University and Gilbert on April 16 , we’d like to try it one more time! Can you commit to sending at least one email a day every day between now and the night of your Relay, asking for support from your friends, family members, and co-workers?

As you’re sending emails, be sure to share how every donation helps the American Cancer Society save lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and fighting back against the disease.

While you’re in your Participant Center (on your specific Relay event's webpage) be sure to check for any last-minute updates for this year’s Relay For Life.

Thanks for all you do and for your commitment to the American Cancer Society!

Upcoming Arizona Relay For Life Events!

Exciting Relays are taking place all over Arizona in the next several weeks and I'd like to invite you one to sign up online and join us.

Sign up today for Relay For Life! It's more than just a fundraiser. It’s a life-changing experience. At Relay, every person in the community has a chance to celebrate, remember, and fight back.

This weekend you can join in and be a part of the following Relays:

• Scottsdale
• Northern Arizona University
• Tempe

The following weekend will be busy with 11 Relays including:

• Gilbert
• Arizona State University
• North Valley

You can always check the Relay For Life website to find a Relay near you.

If you participated in Relay in the past, we truly value your support of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life and would be honored to have you back again this year. Everyone that comes back for another year of Relay helps make our fight against cancer even stronger, helping us raise funds and awareness to save lives in our community and around the world

Don't Forget Your Relay Day Checklist

Hello Arizona Relay Participants! All of your hard work is about to pay off as you prepare for a great night of celebrating survivorship and fighting cancer.

I wanted to share this quick list of things that all Teams should have handy to make sure you come to your Relay For Life event prepared! Also, as a reminder - make sure to grab all of your Relay materials, luminaria bags, registration fees, etc and DOUBLE CHECK your event's registration and ceremony times. You'll want to allow yourself time to set up your campsite so you can enjoy the ceremonies.

• Tent(s) for your campsite
• Proper clothing (extra clothing) for weather
  - Ponchos
  - jackets, sweats, coats
  - t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops
• Pillows & sleeping bags
• Campsite decorations
• Team Banner (if your event has a Banner competition)
• Costumes
• Supplies needed for your On-Site Fundraiser
• Wagon or Dolly (something to help you haul all of your supplies to and from your campsite.
• Money!!
• Walking/Running shoes
• Folding Chairs/Tables
• Stick Lighters (to help light luminaria bags)
• Scissors/pocketknife/hammer/tools for random tasks
• Campsite Map (provided by committee)
• Activity Schedule
• Your Team!

If you haven't signed up yet and would like to join us at Relay, please find a Relay near you and register for an event to remember!

Thank you to all of our volunteers and supporters! Let's make this our best Relay season and check back daily for Relay tips and tidbits! Good luck!

Luminaria and Relay For Life

Luminaria sales are a very effective way to fundraise for your Relay event. The Luminaria Ceremony is one of the most memorable aspects of the Relay experience; a time to honor cancer survivors and a time to remember those we have lost.

Work with your event’s Luminaria subcommittee to encourage committee members and teams to promote luminaria donations. Some events ask for a minimum donation, and others leave the amount up to the donor. The Luminaria subcommittee decides what is best for your local community.

For additional information on the Luminaria Ceremony or fundraising through luminaria, please refer to the Fundraising Development Guidebook in the Committee Chair Tools section on RelayForLife.org. You can also find helpful information and tips from other Relayers in the Luminaria Forum as well as the Fundraising Forum.

Remember, you can continue to sell luminaria after the ceremony is over. Many latecomers will appreciate the opportunity to remember and honor their loved one.

Thanks for all you do for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life!

Relay For Life Music

During Relay For Life events, you all do a great job of celebrating survivorship and the hope that one day cancer will be eliminated. You also remember loved ones lost to the disease while finding comfort and healing.

Both of these emotionally charged elements are visually symbolized through the Survivors Lap and Luminaria Ceremony. The Relay For Life website offers suggestions on the music you can use during these significant moments in your event.

Survivors Lap

Upbeat, energetic music plays loudly as survivors dance and celebrate their way around the track. Anyone who has ever heard the words “you have cancer” has the opportunity to celebrate their life and their survivorship at Relay.

Luminaria Ceremony

The Luminaria Ceremony is for remembrance and hope. It symbolizes a time to grieve for those we have lost, to reflect on our own cancer experience or that of those closest to us, and to find hope that tomorrow holds the promise of a cancer-free world. There should be no music or speakers during the first half of this lap. As walkers reach the halfway point, it is recommended that a poem is read. After the poem, a song selection is suggested.

Check out all of the Relay For Life Ceremony Music Suggestions and good luck with your event!

Double Your Fundraising Efforts!

We can’t wait to see you all at the upcoming Arizona Relay For Life events! And we can’t thank you enough for lending your time and energy to help create a world with less cancer and More Birthdays!!

As we head into Relay season, we want to make sure that you know of a quick and easy way to double fundraising for your event.

Ask all of your donors to check with their employers to see if they will match a gift to the American Cancer Society. They can even check online by visiting matchinggifts.com/acs and enter their company name. If their company does match, the information and guidelines are there.

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift! Donors may not think to ask their employers, and a friendly reminder from you could go a long way toward increasing your donations!

Log into your Participant Center on your event's website and email anyone who has donated to you already asking them to check with their employer and help you double their gift.

If you still need to register for a Relay in your area, please sign up and join us!

How Can YOU Help ACS Save Lives and Fight Cancer?

You can join the movement for more birthdays and fight back against cancer by enrolling in a new research study called the Cancer Prevention Study - 3 (CPS-3).

The American Cancer Society’s Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to join this historic research study. The ultimate goal is to enroll 500,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S.

By joining CPS-3, you can help us understand how to prevent cancer, which will save lives and give people more of their most precious resource: time. More time with their families and friends, more memories, more celebrations...and more birthdays.

Arizona Location of Enrollment:

Relay For Life of Quad Cities Community
June 11, 2010
Prescott High School
1050 Ruth Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
Enrollment Hours: 6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Enrollment: Individuals who are between the ages of 30-65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, and are willing to commit to the study long term, can enroll at various venues across the United States and Puerto Rico. For those venues that are Relay For Life events, individuals do not have to be registered Relay participants to enroll.

Volunteering: Volunteers are needed to help with the enrollment area at the various venues.

Promotion: Tell everyone you know about this one-time historic opportunity to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

Education: Tell friends and family around the country to visit www.cancer.org/cps3 or call 888-604-5888 to obtain more information about this study and how they can become involved in their own local community. View the complete list of CPS-3 study enrollment locations.

Have Fun With Team Fundraising

As a Relay For Life Team Captain, your three main focuses are: Set Goals, Get Donations, and Encourage and Support your team with TEAM FUNDRAISING. This is where your full team puts together an activity or event to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

There are any number of other team fundraising ideas – but we’ve found that those fundraising activities that focus on things people spend money on anyway are most successful. For example – food sales, movie nights, collecting used prom dresses and reselling them… The sky’s the limit.

Here are a few other suggestions for team fundraising activities:

Car Window Washes – Teams can wash car windows at fast food restaurant drive through windows.

Dime-A-Dance (at event) – Provide music at your campsite. Have other people pay to dance with your team members.

Envelopes at Restaurant Tables – Teams generate donations by placing a Relay For Life envelope at every table, stating “Please Support Our Relay For Life Team and the American Cancer Society.” Waitresses check envelopes after each seating.

Vacation Day – If you are on a team with your co-workers, ask your boss if they can offer a bonus day off for the team member that raises the most money.

Remember to check out the Team Captain Toolkit for additional resources. Good luck and thank you to all of the Relay Team Captains and participants for supporting the American Cancer Society's mission!

Fundraising Forum and Relay For Life

The Relay For Life forums offer a great way to find information about Relay and ask your fellow volunteers questions about how they are handling their events. The Fundraising Forum is also great place to ask questions and discover new fundraising ideas that have been successful for other Relay teams.

You can find topics on fundraisers that range from selling candles and t-shirts to managing online auctions and working with local companies for various fundraising activities.

Remember to adhere to the Relay For Life Fundraising Guidelines below. If you have any questions, please contact your Relay For Life Team Recruitment Chair or American Cancer Society Staff Partner.

We Cannot Sell …

Anything with American Cancer Society or Relay For Life logo and/or name on it. (Example, items purchased from the Relay Gear catalog)

Items that can be purchased from or returned to a store, vendor, or the internet.

But, We Can Sell …

Homemade cookbooks (with Team Name only)

Handmade holiday crafts

Baked goods

In Honor, In Memory, and In Support of Sun and Moon Donation Cards (See your Team Recruitment Chair or American Cancer Society Staff Partner)

Services (car washes, yard work, house cleaning, etc.)

Activities (bowling, skate parties, trivia nights, etc.)

Garage/Yard Sales

The Relay For Life site is available to you 24/7 to make sure you have all of the information you need for a successful event. Thanks so much for your support of Relay For Life and good luck to you and your team!

Survivors And Caregivers Celebrated At Relay

Survivors are the reason we Relay.

A survivor is anyone who has ever heard the words “You have cancer.” And we invite all cancer survivors in the community to attend Relay For Life.

Our goal is to create a world where more people survive cancer – so they can celebrate another birthday. This year more than 11 million people will be able to do that thanks to the support of millions of dedicated Relay participants.

Most Relays open with the Survivors Lap where survivors lead the way around the track while being honored and applauded by all participants. The Survivors Lap is an inspirational and emotional example of how Relay participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year.

We also recognize and celebrate caregivers at Relay For Life. These individuals give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who face cancer. At Relay, people understand the frustrations and joys of being a caregiver, since the effects of cancer reach far beyond just the person diagnosed.

Anyone can participate in Relay For Life. Friends, families, neighbors, classmates, sports teams, etc., can form their own teams. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay.

Find a Relay near you and join us.

There's Still Time!!

In just a few weeks, our Arizona communities will come together for their American Cancer Society Relay For Life events.

If you’ve never experienced Relay before, get ready for a life-changing event where we CELEBRATE the lives of those who have battled cancer, REMEMBER loved ones lost to the disease, and express our commitment to FIGHT BACK until cancer no longer affects us or those we love.

Can you think of a few friends who might like to join your Relay team this year? It’s not too late to invite them! Be sure to let them know that there is still plenty of time to raise money for Relay, and that it couldn’t be easier with our online tools that do most of the work for you.

Log in to your Participant Center and invite anyone who might like to join your Relay team today. Be sure to let them know why YOU choose to Relay, and that by getting involved, they will help save lives and create more birthdays!

We believe that this year’s events will be our biggest and best ever thanks to the hard work of Relayers like you. You can help ensure this by inviting new friends to join your team today and don’t forget to keep asking for donations!

Let’s see how much more we can do together in the coming weeks! Good luck to you and your team and check the ACS in Arizona blog daily for helpful Relay tips!

A Night To Remember

Your success as a volunteer fundraiser for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is nothing short of remarkable. In the midst of challenging economic times, more than 3.5 million of you in 5,000 communities across the country raised more than $409 million last year through Relay For Life. You are defying the odds, and together we are saving lives.

Relay For Life is always an unforgettable evening, especially as we remember our loved ones lost to cancer. For those of us who have lost anyone we love to the disease, the night has special significance and offers a way to help find healing.

Whether you’ve experienced cancer firsthand or through the struggle of a loved one, we know that your reason for supporting the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is as unique as your own story. Every dollar you raise truly makes a difference, and helps the American Cancer Society continue its efforts to save lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and fighting back against cancer.

If you haven't signed up yet, please find a Relay near you and join us!

One of the most touching events of the evening is the luminaria ceremony where we remember those we have lost. Below is a video of the luminaria ceremony at Relay for Life Lake Mary/Heathrow, Florida.

Relay For Life e-Community Forum

On the Relay For Life website, there is a great Relay Community Forum tool that helps you to communicate and share with volunteers across the Relay nation. You can ask questions, share your photos, ideas, stories and more. The forum topics are organized in alphabetical order making it easy for you to find information or post questions on a specific topic.

There are separate sections that include the following:

Relay eCommunity Forum - Here you can find posts about activities at different Relays, planning a fight back ceremony and even general "chit chat".

Site Feedback - You can be a part of the development of the Relay For Life eCommunity. Submit your feedback and tell us what you think- classify your comments according to content, navigation and design.

Special Relay Events - Under here you can find miscellaneous topics including a "Swap Shop" If your Relay has supplies, theme decorations, etc. that you aren't using anymore, and are willing to ship to another Relay...or if you're looking for stuff that other Relays might be able to share - here's the place to discuss.

You need to log in to post a new forum topic. A few tips when posting:

Give your post a very specific title like "What music should I use for survivor lap" or similar so people can recognize your question and respond quickly. You will be asked to choose from a drop down menu for which category your post belongs in. Again, be specific so you have a better chance of receiving feedback.

When you create a Forum topic, your topic shows up under the "Last Post" column on the right side under your the forum topic that you selected from the drop down menu.

You can always go back in to edit your post or delete it if needed. Create Forum Topics about issues, frustrations and suggestions and use your Relay blog to talk about Relay experiences, like a diary.

Good luck with your Relay and thank you for all you are doing to create a world with Less Cancer and More Birthdays!

An Email A Day Can Save Lives

You signed up for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life because you know you have the power to help save lives by fighting back against cancer, and by providing hope and comfort to everyone facing the disease.

Every step you take and every dollar you raise through Relay takes us one step closer to a world where cancer can’t steal another year from anyone’s life.

Can you think of 2 friends, coworkers, or family members who share your commitment to fighting back against cancer, yet haven’t been involved with Relay For Life? Maybe it’s a friend who has faced cancer, or a coworker who has lost a loved one to the disease.

As you think of others that might like to be involved in the fight against cancer, just log in to your Participant Center (on your local event's Relay page) and send them an email. Your Participant Center keeps track of everyone you’ve sent emails to, and will show you anyone who has yet to make a donation to support your efforts.

We can’t thank you enough for choosing to Relay this year. Relay For Life is a success thanks to each and every one of you and the time and energy you devote to help the American Cancer Society save lives.

If you are not signed up yet, you can find a Relay near you and join us in the fight against cancer!

Fundraising At Your Relay Event

At Relay, teams can raise money at their campsite. The idea is to create a game/activity or have something donated and then team members promote your on-site activity to raise more money for your team. Be creative and play off your team theme! At some Relay events, these on-site activities are included in the program book so make sure to share ideas at your team meeting!

On-site Fundraising is The Icing on the Cake -- Your team should aim to raise most of your goal prior to the event. You’re encouraged to do on-site fundraising at Relay For Life, but it shouldn’t take the place of your pre-event efforts.

The Relay For Life Team Captain Toolkit has several suggestions for on-site fundraising activities, but here a few fun ideas to get you thinking:

DUNK TANKS, INFLATABLE BOUNCE HOUSES, AND CLIMBING WALLS -- Utilizing these activities on-site as fundraisers is permissible, just make sure the operator is properly licensed and insured.

FORTUNE TELLING -- Look into a crystal ball and tell participants their fortune for a donation!

GENERAL STORE -- Have extra campsite supplies available for a donation for people who did not come prepared or forgot something (toothbrushes/toothpaste, extra socks, toilet paper, flashlight, bug spray, sunscreen, baby wipes).

HOLLYWOOD SNAPSHOT! -- Get a cardboard cut-out of a famous person and have your picture taken for a donation.

GLOW GEAR -- When the sun goes down sell glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces, glow sticks.

Do you have a fun on-site fundraising idea to share? Go ahead and post your ideas on this blog - we'd love to hear from you!

Online Resources For Your Relay For Life

The Relay For Life website contains several resources for helping you manage and execute your Relay event.

There is a special section in the Training and Resources area called Online Resources.

Here you will find videos that walk you through a variety of steps including how to:

• Register Online
• Donate Online
• Manage Your Personal Participant Center (this is the home base for all your activity)
• Update your Personal Page (including adding photos and your reason to Relay)
• Send Emails to Friends and Family
• Fundraise for your event using Facebook

You can view the videos at any time, pause and backup the videos if needed as it takes you step by step through all of the above topics.

There are also help documents that you can print out as a reference for how to :

• Sign Up. Set Up. Send
• Handling Online/Offline Donations
• Manage Your Personal Page's Blog
• Dedicate a Luminaria
• Use Social Networking to Enhance Your Relay Efforts

If you haven't registered for a Relay yet, click here to find a Relay near you and join us!

GOOD LUCK to all of you Relayers and thank you for your support. You ARE making a difference.

Making the "Ask" For Relay Sponsorship

There are many factors that will contribute to your Relay’s success when approaching a potential sponsor. The first is finding the right person to make the ask! When looking for a committee member to ask local businesses for participation in your event’s sponsorship program, identify a volunteer who:

Has good contacts

Is willing to make the call

Understands your program

This person should be:

Enthusiastic

Willing to ask for money

Committed to the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life

Knowing how to tell your story contributes to your success when requesting sponsorship. Here are a few things to keep in mind when asking potential sponsors for their support:

Share your personal story or your experience with cancer in a passionate way

Be persuasive, but not pushy

Be knowledgeable about the American Cancer Society and how it benefits your community

Make sure that your potential sponsor understands the benefits and recognition opportunities including promotion on banners at the event as well as on the event programs and T-shirts.

There are several support materials online to help you with your event including the Team Captain Learning Modules and the Fundraising Development Guidebook.

Good luck in planning and executing your event and thank you for all you do to support the American Cancer Society's mission to create a world with Less Cancer and More Birthdays!!