We are thrilled to announce that Relay For Life of Uvalde, TX, has been named the 2024 Nationwide Event of the Year as part of the Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Awards. This honor highlights the exceptional efforts of events that embody the passion and grassroots spirit of Relay For Life.
This year, Uvalde stood out for its exceptional execution of Relay For Life’s four signature elements:
- Celebration of Survivors: The opening survivor lap was a powerful and emotional moment, uniting survivors in a show of hope and resilience.
- Celebration of Caregivers: Heartfelt recognition was given to the unsung heroes who support loved ones through their cancer journeys.
- Meaningful Luminaria Ceremony: Over 1,000 luminaria bags lit up the track, symbolizing remembrance, honor, and ongoing hope for the future.
- Opportunity to Fight Back: Participants were empowered to take action by raising awareness and funds, with the event surpassing its original fundraising goal several times to reach over $40,000.
In the wake of tragedy, Uvalde’s Relay For Life became a beacon of hope and healing for the community. Event Lead MJ Miller, who spearheaded the effort to revive Relay For Life after a pandemic hiatus, described the event as a unifying force. “This wasn’t a hospital or Chamber of Commerce event—it was a community event,” he explained. Local organizations, schools, businesses, and individuals joined together to create a night filled with hope, healing, and strength.
Highlights included a custom 10-foot welded “HOPE” sign illuminated in purple, symbolizing the resilience of a town determined to stand together against cancer. Local schoolchildren added a creative touch by decorating luminarias, turning them into heartfelt tributes that lined the track.
During a surprise announcement, Suzy Lawrence of the National Relay Leadership Team revealed that Relay For Life of Uvalde was selected as the Nationwide Event of the Year. Overwhelmed with emotion, MJ Miller credited the success to a collective effort: “This was about sparking hope and bringing smiles to faces in our community. Relay For Life became the event that united us.” You can watch the full video here or in the video player below.
ACS Staff Partner Kyna Swanson praised the extraordinary teamwork and creativity that made Uvalde’s event unforgettable. “From engaging local businesses to involving schools, MJ and his team created magic,” she said.
The success of this year’s event has laid the foundation for future growth. With 35 teams participating this year and even more expressing interest, Relay For Life of Uvalde is poised to continue its impact. And with MJ’s newborn son already set to attend next year’s event in a Relay onesie, the tradition of hope and unity is destined to continue for generations.
Congratulations, Uvalde, on being named the 2024 Nationwide Event of the Year!
You can view all 2024 Spirit of Relay Awards at RelayForLife.org/2024awards.