This March, Relayers across the country came together for the Answer the Call Challenge: a powerful, purpose-driven effort to ensure that no one faces cancer without trusted answers and compassionate support.
Together, our Relay community raised over $1 million in just four days, a remarkable show of what’s possible when we come together with purpose.
At the center of this challenge is the American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center (NCIC): the front door to our mission. Available 24/7/365, NCIC provides guidance on diagnoses, treatment options, patient support programs, prevention, and emotional care.
The goal was simple:
💜 Each participant raises $100 — helping fund four NCIC calls.
💜 Four moments where someone facing cancer can get clarity, resources, and hope when they need it most.
Because of our Relay community, thousands of these moments of support are now possible.
The Impact of Answering the Call
Every dollar raised helps ensure that when someone reaches out, they’re met with real support:
- Cancer Information & Assistance — Helping individuals understand their diagnosis, prepare for conversations with their care team, and access guidance from oncology nurses during critical moments.
- ACS Patient Support Programs — Connecting callers to transportation, lodging, and clinical trials information – often turning a single call into access to lifesaving resources.
- Prevention & Early Detection — Guiding people to affordable screenings, trusted guidelines, and healthier choices that reduce cancer risk.
- Connection & Support — Providing emotional support through ACS CARES and caregiver resources so no one has to navigate cancer alone.
Challenge Winners
This challenge was all about participation — and these events rose to the top by inspiring the most participants to raise $100 or more during the challenge period.
The top two Relay For Life events in each category (plus the top campus event) have officially earned their place as Answer the Call Challenge winners and will receive a two-pack of brand-new Relay For Life inflatable pillars to showcase in their communities. Staff partners of winning events will be asked for shipping information next week.
Events were grouped based on registration numbers as of March 16, 2026, with Campus events competing separately.
Group A Winners
- Relay For Life of Bertie County, NC – 216 participants
- Relay For Life of Yuma, AZ – 102 participants
Group B Winners
- Relay For Life of Wood County, WV – 52 participants
- Relay For Life of Henry County, OH – 51 participants
Group C Winners
- Relay For Life of Lehigh Valley, PA – 40 participants
- Relay For Life of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, VA – 30 participants
Campus Winner
- Relay For Life of Blue Valley Youth, KS – 72 participants
🏆 Congratulations to all of our winners for leading the way and setting the standard for what’s possible through Relay For Life.
Don’t Forget Your Digital Badge
If you raised $100 or more during the challenge, you’ve earned an exclusive Answer the Call digital badge.
If you haven’t received yours yet, there’s still time:
Text UNITED to 89799 to opt in to Relay text messages.
📲 Badges are being sent out today (3/27): be sure to claim yours and celebrate your impact.
Thank You for Answering the Call
This challenge showed what makes Relay For Life so powerful: every community playing a vital role, every participant making an impact, and every dollar helping ensure that no call for help goes unanswered.
Congratulations again to our winners, and thank you to everyone who answered the call.
Together, we are ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.