The Relay For Life Youth Retreat is a place to inform students about the American Cancer Society in a relaxed and fun environment. Students will learn about the benefits of participating with their local Relay For Life community event and why we fundraise.

The Youth Retreat is intended to bring 50-100 students, chaperones, and American Cancer Society staff together to explore how high school students can get involved in the fight against cancer!

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.

Adrian Orozco

Have you ever noticed how certain people “LIGHT UP” our Relays? 

It could be their warmth and kindness,  or their CRAZY ENERGY!  No matter what it is... these people MAKE our Relays – and make us want to come back! 

Adrian Orozco is that person!  I remember the first time I saw Adrian – purple bandana tied around his head, sleeves cut off his Relay for Life shirt, GRIN from ear to ear…..and if I am not mistaken….he was jumping up and down to get everyone excited about Relay!  THAT IS ADRIAN!

Adrian started relaying in 2004.  His Grandma had breast cancer, and when he heard about Relay for Life at Arizona State University 's Polytechnic Campus, he wanted to do something to honor her!  Grandma…..I hope you know how much he has honored you!  I have worked with many amazing volunteers over the years, and Adrian is one of the hardest working people I have ever met.

Adrian has done almost every Relay committee position!  His passion for recruiting team members is unstoppable!  Early on he started BRANCHING out…he was working several Relay for Life events in Phoenix...working Climb to Conquer Cancer… working Cancer Prevention Study 3 events… the list goes ON and ON! 

Adrian joined the Phoenix Relay for Life Advisory Council in 2007.  Our volunteers LINE up to be trained by Adrian …his sense of humor and energy leaves all of us READY TO RELAY!!!  He is on Division Training Task Force now…so I hope more and more volunteers across our division get to meet him!

Adrian is a perfect example of our Spirit of Relay!   I am grateful to Adrian for his endless volunteer hours and CONSTANT smiles!!!!!  He has inspired so many of us to stay focused… and always remember – why we Relay.