| A Sense of Urgency
The Time is Now! Getting involved in the fight against cancer can't wait. While we are making great progress in our fight against cancer...we still have a ways to go. Your involvement with the American Cancer Society is helping to save lives, and impact the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.
Vision 2015. The American Cancer Society has some lofty goals to reach in the upcoming years...and we need your help. By the year 2015, we will:
[1] double the number of lives saved
[2] reduce the incidence of cancer by 25%
[3] impact the quality of life of cancer patients & their families.
Some California Facts.
-- 133,060 people in CA will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
-- 53,565 will die
-- Ask your staff partner for local statistics
How Far We've Come.
-- In 1946... 1 out of 4 cancer patients survived more that 5 years.
-- Today.... 2 out of 3 patients are alive 5 years after diagnosis!
American Cancer Society
Facts
Money raised through Relay for Life helps fund the programs and services of the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life accounts for 30% of our annual income.
What does the American Cancer Society Do? We provide hope for the future...progress towards a cure...and answers to cancer questions and concerns. This happens through research, education, and service.
Research. Last year, we invested $100 million in peer reviewed cancer research. We have funded 30 researchers who later went on to be awarded the Nobel Prize. We fund 25% of all new investigators' cancer research. We are the largest private, non-profit source of funding for scientists studying cancer. For more details on research, contact you staff partner.
Education. We provide materials and educational programs on early prevention and detection of cancer. Examples of these programs include anti-tobacco programs in the schools, Teens Kick Ash!, our nutritional campaign, Spring into Health! Day, and breast cancer awareness programs encouraging women to do breast self-exam and get a mammogram.
Service. We provide free rides to treatment for cancer patients. We are a resource for patients and family members who need information on any type of cancer. Anyone can call our 24-hour hotline for information 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit our website - www.cancer.org
Relay for Life Facts
History: The Relay For Life began in 1985 in Tacoma, WA when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked around a track for 24 hours. He raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society...and the Relay for Life was born.
It's Special. The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide signature event. It is more than a fundraiser - Relay IS the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life allows us to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have lost the battle, educate the community on early detection and prevention of cancer, and recruit new volunteers for the American Cancer Society's programs and services.
Why 24 hours? We are asking you to give a day out of your life for those who may not have another. There are similarities between the Relay for Life and what a cancer patient goes through: It may get really hot during the day, and you may feel like quitting, but you keep on walking. It may get windy and cold at night - it might even rain. But you press-on...knowing that the sun will come up, and it will be a new day.
It's Big and It's Growing! It's the largest nonprofit fundraising event in the world. In 1999-2000, it raised approx. $169 million for the fight against cancer. In FY 2000-01, there will be 3,000 Relay communities across the country. Around the world, 1.75 million people will participate in the Relay for Life. Besides the U.S., Relays will happen in places like Australia, Ireland & Singapore.
Just Getting Started in California: Although starting out a few years behind the national curve, California Division has tremendous potential with Relay for Life. In fact, in 2000, California had the highest growth rate in the country! In 2000-02, Relay for Life will happen in 138 communities and it will raise $10.5 million in California
WHAT IS RELAY?
It's 24 Hours You'll Never Forget!
Relay For Life is a 24-hour team event to fight cancer. It raises awareness of cancer in the community and raises money to support the programs and services of the American Cancer Society.
Here's how it works: A team captain gets together some of his or her closest friends, co-workers, family members, etc. and forms a team. The team members go out and collect contributions prior to the event. Relay For Life is a celebration party at the end of the fundraising.
Come Relay Day...participants grab their tents and lawn chairs and head to the Relay for Life. It's like a community camp-out. People pitch their tents on the football field, and take turns walking around the track. One person from each team must be on the track at all times.
The first lap at Relay For Life is special. It's the Survivor's Lab. Cancer Survivors are invited to come and walk the first lap. It's very emotional, and hopeful, to see so many people who DO survive cancer.
In the evening, there is the Luminaria Ceremony. White bags with some sand and a candle are placed around the track. Each one is dedicated in honor of a cancer survivor, or in memory of someone who had passed away from cancer. Luminarias encircle the track and light the way as Relay For Life participants walk through the night.
Every Relay For Life is a tobacco-free, alcohol-free event.
|
