Survivors: Celebrating Life

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.

Survivors are the guests of honor at Relay. Some Relay For Life events may offer survivors special T-shirts or sashes or hold a special reception for survivors and caregivers. However, most Relays open with the Survivors Lap where survivors lead the way around the track while being honored and applauded by all participants. Being a part of the Survivors Lap allows survivors to celebrate what they’ve overcome while inspiring and motivating their community to fight. Survivors are proof that cancer can be defeated.

Relay For Life is also a great way for people to meet other survivors in their own community. In many communities, survivors form their own teams, join the Relay committee, or volunteer for the American Cancer Society in other ways.

If you would like to participate in this year’s Survivors Lap or other activities, please sign up today.

Your American Cancer Society Is Here To Help

Remember, too, that one of the ways the American Cancer Society is saving lives is by helping people get well. We’re in your corner around the clock to guide you through every step of your cancer experience. For more information about the American Cancer Society’s support for survivors and patients, please visit cancer.org or call us anytime, day or night at 1-800-227-2345.

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, such as transportation and insurance issues, or connecting you with others who have been through the cancer journey for emotional support, we are here and we can help.

Below are just a few of the amazing programs here in Ohio

Look Good... Feel Better
Licensed volunteer cosmetologists teach cancer patients techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation.

Patient Navigator
Assists patients, families, and caregivers in navigating systems needed throughout the cancer journey, such as medical, financial, social, and emotional systems. Patient Navigators are located in community-based host sites such as hospitals or cancer centers.

Cancer Survivors Network
Created by and for cancer survivors and their families, this “virtual” community is a welcoming, safe place for people to find hope and inspiration from others who have “been there.” Services include pre-recorded discussions and personal stories from people with cancer and their loved ones, discussion boards, chat rooms, private and secure email, personal Web pages, an Expression Gallery, and more.

Reach to Recovery
Trained breast cancer survivors provide one-on-one support and education to individuals dealing with the emotional and physical effects of breast cancer