Survivors

A cancer diagnosis is a journey filled with many new and different experiences for survivors. Within the American Cancer Society Relay For Life activities and events, we strive to demonstrate respect for the many ways in which each person touched by cancer defines themselves and their experiences.

The American Cancer Society considers a cancer survivor to be anyone who defines himself or herself this way, from the time of diagnosis throughout the balance of his or her life.

Survivors are a very important part of every Relay for Life event. There are a variety of creative ways we celebrate our survivors, whether it is enjoying a reception, walking in the opening lap, wearing a survivor t-shirt, or being honored during the luminaria ceremony. Survivors are the reason we relay.



At last years Relay For Life event here in Mena, I was talking with a survivor who told me, “without those who support and participate in Relay For Life and other fundraisers and research efforts, I wouldn’t be a survivor.”

That in a nutshell is why those of us who are involved in Relay for Life give of our time, effort and money. We want more survivors!