Relay for Life is an event hosted annually around the world by the American Cancer Society. It is known as one of the largest fundraising events in the world.

Members of the community will gather for a fundraising walk around Conway as well as events and activities that will be held during this event. 

The American Cancer Society is one of the top leaders in cancer research with more than $400 million donated for research. 

Relay for Life will be hosted at UCA on April 5, 2025, beginning at noon. The meeting point will be at Estes Stadium on the University of Central Arkansas campus. 

The event begins with a celebration of survivors. This is held to celebrate local cancer survivors. Family and friends of survivors or those currently living with cancer are invited to join this celebration. Attendees of the event are asked to line the track during the survivor lap and cheer on the survivors. 

Next, a celebration of caregivers will be hosted. After the survivor lap, the caregivers of cancer patients will be honored. They will be asked to join the survivors and attendees will cheer in celebration for them as well. 

Luminaria is an event that is also hosted at Relay for Life. It is an event that is to honor those who have been lost to cancer and for survivors to reflect on their journey through beating cancer. It takes place — at most events — after the sun sets. Relay teams will help light pre-made luminaria bags with candles that are dedicated to honor, or in remembrance of loved ones. Bags will be decorated with the names of those dedicated. The ceremony will be followed by a moment of silence for those who have been lost. 

Donations for luminaria can be made on the Relay for Life website. These can be made to honor a loved one as well as help the American Cancer Society continue its research. 

Relay for Life also has a hall of fame. Their hall of fame honors its visionary leaders who have helped to grow the community to be one of the largest fundraising events in the world. 

Relay for Life began when Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money for cancer research for the American Cancer Society. His friends, family and patients watched as he walked and ran more than 83.6 miles and $27,000 through pledges to help save lives from cancer. 

How to relay is simple. First, a person can sign up for the relay by searching for the event and joining as a participant or as a team and recruit friends and family to join. Next, raise money by sending emails or texts or setting up a Facebook fundraiser. Relay for Life coordinator, Cade Womack, said “So many of our friends, family and loved ones have been affected by cancer. Whether that is through actively battling cancer, knowing someone who is battling cancer, or losing someone from cancer. We have all been affected by this terrible sickness. He explained that Relay for Life helps to raise money for hope to stop cancer, while also honoring the people who have been affected by cancer. 

For help looking for more information, wanting to join or make a donation visit secure.acsevents.org.