Dr. Gordy Klatt runs for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, WA, raising $27,000 for the American Cancer Society in what would later become Relay For Life.
The first Relay For Life team event is held in Tacoma, WA, thanks to the team-building efforts of Pat Flynn – the “Mother of Relay.”
The first Luminaria Ceremony is held at Relay For Life of Seattle, giving Relayers a special way to remember those lost to cancer.
The American Cancer Society launches cancer.org to provide cancer information, support groups, volunteerism, and donation opportunities.
The United Kingdom holds the first-ever Global Relay For Life event in Portsmouth, England, supporting Cancer Research UK.
Dr. Gordy Klatt is inducted into the Relay For Life Hall of Fame, creating a program that now recognizes nine individuals’ contributions to the Relay movement.
The American Cancer Society launches the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) to provide cancer information and support 24/7/365 free of charge.
The American Cancer Society announces the first documented overall downturn in cancer mortality due, in part, to increased screening rates.
The American Cancer Society announces the number of people being diagnosed with cancer has decreased for the first time.
Relay For Life becomes the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, opening “the doorway for community involvement with the organization.”
The first collegiate Relay For Life event is held at Doane University in Nebraska, creating a space for students to become leaders in the Relay movement.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network SM (ACS CAN) is formed to advocate for cancer research, access to care, and tobacco control.
ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures.
The first ACS CAN℠ Celebration on the Hill takes place in Washington, D.C., with 7,000 Relayers meeting with members of Congress and lighting up the National Mall with 16,600 Luminaria bags.
Nucor Steel Decatur begins Relaying in Decatur, Alabama, and will go on to become the first Heritage Team, raising $5M+ in total fundraising.
Nucor Steel Decatur is still Relaying on and raised more than $500,000 in 2024.
Relay reaches $1 billion in total contributions since its founding in 1985. A celebration is held at Relay For Life of Springfield, Missouri.
Today, Relay For Life has raised nearly $7 billion towards the American Cancer Society's lifesaving work.
Relay For Life of Second Life holds their first event, introducing Relay For Life to the virtual world.
The first Bark For Life event takes place in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, raising $57,000.
Bark For Life (BFL) is a Relay For Life fundraising event that honors the caregiving qualities of canine companions. As a revenue enhancer to a community Relay, a Bark For Life event can be organized as a pre- or post-Relay fundraiser or as a team fundraiser in which an entire community can participate. A Bark For Life event typically lasts 2-5 hours.
Rosebud Miners in Ford City, Pennsylvania becomes the first Relay For Life team to reach $1M in total fundraising, making them what is now called a Legacy Team.
The Rosebud Miners are still Relaying and raised more than $370,000 in 2024.
Delta Airlines unveils a special Relay For Life branded Boeing 767 that is still in service today.
The first Hope Lodge® community turns 40. These communities are a home away from home for people who must travel for cancer treatment.
The American Cancer Society launches its 3rd Cancer Prevention Study after two years of recruiting participants at Relay For Life and other events.
CPS3 participants continue to make an impact on ACS population science research. Read more at cancer.org/cps3.
The first Relay For Life Gold Together for Childhood Cancer team is launched in St. Petersburg, Florida, raising funds specifically for pediatric cancer.
The Gold Together for childhood cancer movement was created by childhood brain cancer survivor Cole Eicher, who envisioned a Gold Together team at every Relay For Life event starting with his team in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The American Cancer Society FUNdraising app is launched, allowing participants to scan and accept check & card donations from a mobile phone.
The app continues to help volunteers accept thousands of dollars of donations, and added Venmo as a donation method in 2024!
Relay For Life events across the country are hosted virtually due to the pandemic, raising $66 million to show that cancer doesn’t stop, so neither can we.
The Road To Recovery® program celebrates 40 years of getting patients to treatment during their cancer journey.
Relay For Life celebrates 40 years of impact at a special ceremony at Relay For Life of Tacoma-Puget Sound.
The ceremony featured Relay For Life Hall of Famer Jeff Ross, and national Relay volunteer lead Suzy Lawrence, kicking off a year of celebrating Relay's 40th.
