SURVIVORS:
The Heart and Sole of Relay!

Each and every relayer has his or her own reason for relaying, but we all have “survivors” in common. It is our desire to see more survivors, to know that every person who hears the words“you have cancer” will not be afraid, but know it is just a pill, a shot or some other treatment that will eliminate the cancer from their body.

Until that day, we relay for those special moments – those moments that highlight why we relay, that let us know that “people don’t care how much we know, but know how much we care.” This moment was defined for Leann Komm, Relay For Life of Vancouver, WA on July 18, 2009 in an email to her relay friends:

I want to share the crowning moment of my Relay experience this year.

While getting coffee at the wonderful all night HOPE Coffee cart, a lady Survivor was speaking to another Survivor about her FIRST Survivor Lap experience.

She said "I didn't know if I could make it all the way around the track because I was so overwhelmed with the cheers and love that I felt." Then, when asked how she felt when one of us put the Survivor Medal around her neck she said "my breath was taken away and I cried because I felt so special!"

When I heard those words I cried and told her she just made my whole Relay year all worth it. I knew that all we go through -- the long hours, the meetings, the people we can't always make happy, the committee squabbles, etc., just don’t matter -- it is all about “the survivors and, the difference we make in their lives.”

American Cancer Society – Relay For Life Cancer Survivor and Caregiver Engagement

The American Cancer Society believes that each individual has the right to define his or her own experience with cancer and considers a cancer survivor to be anyone who defines himself or herself this way, from the time of diagnosis throughout the balance of his or her life. A Caregiver is a family member, friend, loved one, or other support person who lends physical, emotional, or other support to someone throughout the cancer journey.

Relay For Life affords communities a unique opportunity to bring cancer survivors and caregivers together for the purpose of honoring the hope they symbolize in the cancer journey. This allows time to share important program and service information, as well as a means of engaging them in the work of the American Cancer Society year round. The following model assists Relay For Life communities in planning and implementing a strong Survivor/Caregiver Program.

How is this accomplished?
Follow the steps outlined in the HOPE Model – Honor, Opportunity, Provide, Engage.

"Hands of Hope"

The following song "Hands of Hope" was written and performed by Kimberly McManus, a singer/songwriter/producer for Songs of Love. Kimberly has written, performed and produced over 200 songs for children who have experienced medical traumas.

Her song "Hands of Hope" is a fundraiser for the Eugene/Springfield Relay For Life of the Western Region. A CD or DVD of the song are available to purchase, with profits supporting Relay For Life. The clip below is only a preview.

If you are interested in buying the CD for $4.00 or the 4 minute DVD for $7.00, please contact Dale Clift.

Committee Planning Parties

A Relay Committee Planning Party is an opportunity for the event committee to bond together and truly begin to understand what lies ahead. The philosophy and key focus of the party is to provide background training for the entire committee, time to plan and strategize, and most importantly...to get motivated about our mission, the Event, and their overall impact. It should not be optional and is a best practice that is strongly encouraged by our Division for every Event, every year.

The $1000 Club

Remembering that the Great West Division believes recognizing and rewarding our key RFL constituents is an important element of any RFL program, we encourage every Event to participate in a $1000 Club.

The $1000 Club is a reward and recognition program for the individual who raises at least $1000 per season for Relay For Life. Until now, the Division as not had a formal program or way of recognizing these volunteers. Many Regions have their own versions of this program and handle the recognition piece as they wish.

For the 2009-2010 Relay season, ask your staff partner how YOUR $1000 Club participants can be recognized. It’s fun, engaging, and keeps them walking that track!!