03/18/2020
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the American Cancer Society remains very concerned about COVID-19 and has adjusted our event decisions to reflect current recommendations from the CDC. Based on the most recent guidance and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to suspend all 759 American Cancer Society Relay For Life events from March through mid-May. Your Relay For Life Committee Leads and Staff Partner are working quickly to schedule a new date. We will share details soon!
The safety of our volunteers, patients and staff always comes first. The COVID-19 situation remains uncertain and fluid and our goal is to respond in a way that best meets the health and safety needs of those who rely on us.
While this is a difficult time, we know as Relay leaders you will push to continue our work in new and engaging ways. Your help is needed in guiding our ELT’s to continue Relaying in new ways, think creatively about how to engage participants and constituents, and ensure all our tools are readily available and accessible for quick use. We are exploring ways to expand our virtual Relay For Life of USA, creating challenges to drive FB Fundraising, and focusing attention on campus event ingenuity. While our quick work continues to drive additional solutions, a new email address [email protected] is active now for volunteers to submit ideas for how they are supporting their local Relay events.
The needs of cancer patients continue, and so will the work of Relay For Life. We stand together even when we’re apart. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this stressful time and your continued support and dedication to the American Cancer Society’s mission. As volunteers and friends, I hope you and yours are staying healthy. Please know your American Cancer Society family is here to support you. For more information about the coronavirus and cancer patients, visit cancer.org.
I look forward to working through this with you and please do not hesitate to reach out to me!