Celebrating Survivors: Our Reason to Relay

An important part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the celebration of nearly 11 million cancer survivors who are alive in the United States today. Whether you are currently fighting your battle, or have been cancer-free for many years, you are a survivor.

Survivors are the main reason we continue to Relay. You show we are making great strides in our fight against cancer, and give hope to so many others currently fighting cancer. We also celebrate the many Caregivers who have provided countless hours of care and support.

Being a part of the Survivors Lap allows survivors to celebrate what they’ve overcome, meet other survivors, and inspire and motivate their community to fight back.

Survivors are proof that cancer can be defeated. Won't you join us?

The American Cancer Society is the place to turn for help. No matter where you are in your cancer journey, we offer free programs and services to help you through every step of the way. Call us anytime, day or night at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) or visit http://www.cancer.org/.

Whether it is getting you the information you need to make treatment decisions and better understand your disease, helping you deal with the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer, or connecting you with others for emotional support, we are here and we can help.

Go to Survivor Story | Resources for Cancer Patients

Heroes of Hope

Elizabeth Martin, a Breast Cancer Survivor from San Diego, in our Border Sierra Region says:

“I called the 800 number on the day I was diagnosed and the American Cancer Society has been a part of my life ever since.”

When asked how she fights back against cancer, Elizabeth Martin replies, “With every fiber of my being!” When she received a breast cancer diagnosis nine years ago, Elizabeth called the American Cancer Society’s toll-free number immediately. She took advantage of a number of Society programs and events, including Reach to Recovery, Look Good…Feel Better, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Relay For Life.

As soon as she had recovered from her surgery and chemotherapy, Elizabeth began to volunteer with the Society and play an active roll in events like Relay For Life, Daffodil Days, and Celebration on the Hill. “Once I had benefited from your many services, I had to give back!” she says. “I wanted to be there to provide support and help find a cure.”

Elizabeth counts Relay as an essential part of her life. Her very first Relay is also her most memorable. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she recalls. “The Survivors Lap made me feel special.”

“I Relay,” she says, “to get the word out that cancer is here and it’s affecting everyone’s lives. We need funding for research, especially for minorities. There are too many health disparities out there and we need to know why. I Relay so that recently diagnosed cancer survivors can feel special the way I did on my first Relay. I Relay because it brings the community together!”

Resources for Cancer Patients

Day-to-Day Help

Life is not easy for cancer patients and their loved ones; that's why we are here. We can answer questions about insurance, rides to treatment, wigs, and much more. We are here to help with day-to-day issues and to ease the burden of patients and caregivers. Call us, anytime, day or night, at 1-800-ACS (227)-2345.

Emotional Support

No one need face cancer alone. We are here to provide support every step of the way, from the time you schedule a cancer test through recovery and beyond. We know what you are going through and we can put you in touch with others who can speak from experience.

Information

We can provide you with the most up-to-date information possible on any type of cancer, treatments and clinical trials. Search our Web site, http://www.cancer.org/, for information on cancer and resources in your area, or call one of our experts at 1-800-ACS (227)-2345, day or night. They will give you their full attention and all the time you need. If they can't answer all of your questions, they will find the answers and get back to you in a timely manner.