Team Captain’s Handbook An overnight experience you’ll never forget.

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It’s Our Signature Activity. The American Society Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight experience you’ll never forget. Relay mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money to support the mission of the American Cancer Society, to eliminate cancer. Teams of 8-15 It’s a Worldwide members seek contributions prior to Relay and Movement then gather with tents and sleeping bags to camp In May 1985, Dr. Gordon out at local high schools, parks or fairgrounds Klatt took the first step of his and take turns walking or running around a track 24-hour marathon around a or path. Relay brings together friends, family, Tacoma, Washington track- businesses, hospitals, schools, places or ultimately raising $27,000 to worship…people from all walks of life! Each team help the American Cancer is asked to have a representative on the track at Society fight this nations all times during this overnight event-because biggest health concern. A cancer never sleeps. year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since then, Relay For Life has It’s About Hope. become the American Cancer When the sun goes down, hundreds of luminaria Society’s single largest light the way under the stars to remember those activity. Each community’s lost to cancer, those fighting cancer, and those Relay For Life is special, but who have fought the battle and won. The its greater power lies in the luminarias that light up the night symbolize the synergy created by all the hope and perseverance with which we all Relays taking place continue to fight. worldwide. In 2005, more than 4,400 communities and 16 countries hosted a Relay It’s About Honor. For Life event, making this The Relay invites all cancer survivors, our the largest fund raising event honored guests, to take part in the Survivors’ of any kind! Victory Lap. Their courage and strength help the community see that cancer survivorship is real- that we are making progress in the fight against cancer.

It’s About Making the Connection. Relay is your connection to the support your American Cancer Society provides. Through Relay, you will become more knowledgeable 1.800.ACS.2345 about cancer prevention and early detection. You www.cancer.org will also learn more about the services available Hope.Progress.Answers.® for cancer patients and their families. What Do Your Relay Dollars Support?

The American Cancer Society has had the same mission since it was founded in 1913: to eliminate cancer. By the year 2015, we aim to double the number of lives saved, reduce cancer incidence by 25 percent, and make measurable improvements in the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Funds raised through American Cancer Society Relay For Life support the Society’s programs and services. These include:

Research The Society is the largest source of non-profit, non-governmental cancer research funding in the U.S., investing about $120 million each year. We’ve funded 38 researchers who later went on to be awarded the Nobel Prize.

Education We provide materials and educational programs on early detection and prevention of cancer to the community, our schools, and cancer patients. Following American Cancer Society’s wellness and cancer-detection guidelines can save your life and the lives of people you people.

Advocacy We fight for life-saving laws to increase federal research funding, reduce tobacco use, promote early detection of cancers, improve access to care, and support Cancer Facts cancer patients.

Nationwide, more than 1.4 Service Patient and family support services help people with cancer during and million people are expected after treatment. Anyone, anywhere can access cancer information and support 24 hours to be diagnosed with cancer a day, 7 days a week at 1.800.ACS.2345 or at www.cancer.org. this year.

More than 10 million cancer survivors live in the . Sixty Years of Cancer Research About half of all new cancer cases can be prevented completely or detected at In 2006, the American Cancer Society will celebrate the 60th anniversary of our early, curable stages with research program. Since that time, we have awarded $3 billion in research grants, regular screening. funded 38 Nobel Prize winners and made significant progress against the disease.

We are currently funding more than $412 million in multi-year grants, with more than $40 million in research projects at work here in and New Jersey. Our research program focuses on funding cancer researchers with new ideas early in their careers.

American Cancer Society-funded researchers played key roles in many major breakthroughs that have saved thousands of lives, including:

• Highly effective treatments for childhood leukemia • The structure of DNA and DNA sequencing technology • The first bone marrow transplant • The links between tobacco, obesity, and cancer • The development of the Pap and PSA tests • 5-FU, Erbitux and Avastin for treating colorectal cancer • Tamoxifen for reducing breast cancer risk and preventing recurrence • Velcade for treating multiple myeloma • Herceptin and Rituxan--the first drugs to attack cancer at its genetic roots • Gleevec--an effective treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Team Captain’s Handbook How to Recruit a Terrific Team!

• Get excited! Your enthusiasm is contagious.

• Relay is for everyone. You don’t have to be athletic to participate in Relay For Life. People will be walking, running, strolling, dancing, and wheeling around the track. ANYONE can be part of this great community event.

• Arrange an employee presentation at work. Lunch is a great time or at an all-employee meeting. Tell your co-workers what Relay For Life is all about. “Let the good of who Try to set up a challenge between departments or other locations. Ask your company to sponsor your team (by paying the registration fee). If you’d like a you are reflect off of speaker from the American Cancer Society, give a call. everyone you meet. Let the positive • Recruit your family and friends. Build your team roster by including family members. It’s a family affair. Other potential members can be found at your attitude and hope of place of worship, doctor’s office, neighborhood, etc. your dreams

• Dedicate your team to a cancer survivor. If you know someone who illuminate the is dealing with cancer, why not pay tribute by dedicating your team to them? Also, darkness and ease invite cancer survivors to participate. The Survivors’ Lap is for them. the burden of • Create a team theme. Tap your creativity. Come up with a unique name someone else.” and plan to decorate your tent city with props that match your theme.

• Get the word out. Put up Relay For Life posters and display the brochure to invite others to participate. Become your organization’s Relay For Life champion.

• Motivate your team. Hold regular team get-togethers to build spirit and keep everyone informed. Share your Relay story to help connect them with why Relay For Life is important.

• Set a team goal for fundraising. Have each participant set a personal goal, and then set a team goal. Encourage team members to meet their goal by Relay Reminder keeping in touch. Relay For Life is a family-friendly activity. All Relays are alcohol-free and tobacco-free.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Team Captain’s Handbook You are a hero! Why? You’re making a difference in the fight against cancer.

Team Captain’s Checklist J Get the word out. Talk to everyone you know—in your company, congregation, neighborhood, clubs, school, and family—about Relay. This is how you’ll form your team. J Hold a team meeting to establish a team name and theme. Give purpose to your team – dedicate your efforts to someone who has been touched by cancer, for example. J Fill out and turn in your team and participant registration forms with complete information on your teammates as soon as possible. J Have your team members set a goal for how much money they can raise. Remember, to get a t-shirt each team member is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100. Follow up to see how they are doing. Give them tips and encouragement. J Turn in your team registration fee. Team members can pitch in to cover it, or you can ask a company to sponsor you. Ask your dentist, doctor, insurance agent, attorney. Get creative! J Read the team captain handbook. J Hand out team member materials to each participant. Be sure to get them started early! J Attend team captain meetings. J Stay in touch with your team. Let them know what to expect when they come to Relay For Life. Encourage them to stay for the entire event and to camp out. J Collect all donations from your team members and turn in at designated time. J Be a leader and help your team reach its fundraising goal. Challenge other teams. Call on the American Cancer Society if you need help with ideas. We’re here to assist you! J Remind your team members that because of their efforts at Relay, the American Cancer Society is able to provide programs and services in your community. Youth Team Chaperone Requirements The American Cancer Society wants Relay For Life to be a safe and fun event for everyone. It is required that youth teams be accompanied by adult chaperones. Please review the list of requirements on the Youth Chaperone Commitment Form. This form can be downloaded from www.cancer.org/RelayNYNJ.

Again, thank you for your dedication to finding a cure and the American Cancer Society. We value the energy, enthusiasm and involvement of our youth participants.

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Team Captain’s Handbook

© 2005 by the American Cancer Society. All rights reserved.