Answer the Call Fundraising Challenge
March 23-26, 2026
This March, we’re launching the “Answer the Call” Challenge to ensure that no one faces cancer without trusted answers and compassionate support. The American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) is the front door to our mission, providing 24/7 guidance on diagnoses, treatment options, patient support programs, prevention, and emotional care. Our goal is simple: each participant raises $100 that could fund four NCIC calls—four moments where someone facing cancer can get clarity, resources, and hope when they need it most. Join us this week and Answer the Call by raising $100 and helping us make sure every call for help is answered.
- Day 1: Cancer Information & Assistance — Spotlight how NCIC helps people understand their diagnosis, prepare for care team conversations, and access oncology nurse guidance during critical moments.
- Day 2: ACS Patient Support Programs — Highlight NCIC’s connection to transportation, lodging, and clinical trials information, showing how a single call can link someone to lifesaving resources.
- Day 3: Prevention & Early Detection — Emphasize NCIC’s role in helping people identify affordable screenings, understand guidelines, and adopt healthy behaviors that reduce cancer risk.
- Day 4: Connection & Support — Focus on how NCIC connects callers to emotional and community support through ACS CARES, caregiver tools, and the Cancer Survivors Network.
How to Participate
Individual Prizes
Raise $100 or more during the challenge period and earn an exclusive digital badge, available only if you are opted in to Relay For Life texts!
Not yet enrolled in texts?
Send a text message with the word UNITED to 89799 to opt in!
Event Prizes
In the event of a tie, the total amount raised by the event during the challenge period will be used as a tiebreaker.
The top two Relay For Life events in each category with the most participants raising $100 or more during the challenge period will win a two-pack of brand-new Relay For Life inflatable pillars to showcase in their community!
- Events will be grouped into three categories based on their registration numbers as of March 16, 2026.
- Campus events will compete separately, with one Campus Relay event winning a brand-new Relay For Life two-pack of Relay For Life inflatable pillars!
Challenge period is March 23 12:00am EDT – March 26 11:59pm EDT. Event must have 50 or more participants registered by March 16, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT to qualify for event incentives.
Marketing/Promotion
- Nationwide email sends on 3/23, 3/25
- No EMC sends available/needed for this challenge.
Social Media
- We’re excited that we have 7 reels that will be posted for the challenge. (All times CDT)
- Event “Challenge” Reels (Please share in Event Facebook Groups and on Instagram Stories)
- Sunday 3/22: 6:17pm
- Monday 3/23: Spencer 10:04am
- Tuesday 3/24: Gregg 8:10am
- Wednesday 3/25: Cristal 7:32pm
- Participant “Donate” Reels (Please share on personal channels WITH your fundraising link!)
- Monday 3/23: James 7:06pm
- Tuesday 3/24: Jonetta 8:34pm
- Wednesday 3/25: Veronica 10:40am
- Final Reminder (Static Post): Thursday 3/26 1:07pm
- Event “Challenge” Reels (Please share in Event Facebook Groups and on Instagram Stories)
- General Images to supplement these reels are available here, but please prioritize sharing the reels.
Event Websites
- An announcement will be added to all RFL websites – no action is required at the local level.
- The web banner at the top of the page will be updated on your behalf during the challenge – no action required at the local level.
Event Groups
Events were grouped into three categories (+ Campus) based on their registration numbers as of March 16, 2026.
Leaderboard
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Relay For Life Answer the Call Challenge! We’re so grateful for the energy, passion, and impact you bring everyday. Final results will be shared soon, so stay tuned!