North Region leader brings more than 20 years of ACS volunteer experience to the role.
On August 20, Relay For Life leaders announced that Becky VanLoon, MBA, a 20+ year Relayer and 23-year kidney cancer survivor, has been selected as the next volunteer lead for Relay For Life.
Becky, who is also a Voice of Hope, has participated in Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and other American Cancer Society community fundraising events across seven states in her more than 20 years as a volunteer. She currently resides in Mason City, Iowa and serves as the Relay For Life volunteer lead for the North Region, where she is known for her “North Stargazer” Relay For Life newsletter. When not volunteering for ACS, Becky works as the Marketing Manager at the North Wind Group, an environmental, construction, and engineering government contractor.
“Becky’s passion and work ethic are contagious, and in her role over past year she has made Relay volunteers in the North Region and beyond feel supported and heard,” said Bryan Sherwood, senior director, Relay For Life, “I’m excited to partner with her to drive our Relay strategy across the country.”
In this new role, Becky will also serve on the Nationwide Community Fundraising Leadership Team (NCFLT), representing Relay For Life. “Becky’s years of experience, genuine relatability and leadership skills will be a real asset to her new role as the National Relay Lead,” said Ruth Fitzsimmons, co-lead volunteer of the NCFLT.
Becky will co-lead the team with Suzy Lawrence, who has been a National Relay Leadership Team lead since early 2023.
Please join us in congratulating Becky on her new role, and to get to know her better, check out the 20 Questions below!
20 Questions with Becky VanLoon
Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert?
Everyone thinks I am an extrovert. I am actually an introvert. I crash after extroverting for a bit.
What’s the phone app you use most?
Probably my email and texting, but I have been playing a lot of Royal Match lately.
How do you take your coffee?
With lots of sugar, flavoring, and coconut milk.
What’s your favorite board game?
One I don’t have to play 🙂
What TV show reminds you of your life?
Little House on the Prairie – moving a lot and always starting over.
What makes you feel at peace?
The mountains and ocean waves.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’d go back to Alaska or (after recently visiting) I might be happy in the Netherlands.
Do you sing in the shower?
No, but I do in the car.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Fly– I’ve even had a recurring dream about it since I was a kid.
What’s your go-to midnight snack?
Nothing–I sleep at night.
Can you say the ABCs backwards?
Of course, I learned to do it as a way to not cry.
What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
Nothing really…I will go with kids and friends to keep Relay hopping though.
Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast for dinner.
Do you like going to the movies or prefer watching at home?
At home, I’m too cheap to go to the theater anymore.
What are you currently reading?
In paper it’s a book for work called “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and going through a bunch of audiobooks lately, my favorite has been “The Watchmakers Daughter” by Lloyd Loftis.
Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why?
I have a couple on my list: Alaska (missing it big time), safari in South Africa (I want to see an elephant in the wild) and Norway (it’s part of my heritage).
What’s your favorite ice cream topping?
Caramel.
What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Reading my Bible every night.
Do you believe in life on other planets?
Microorganisms are life…so yup!
What would be the title of your memoir?
I already have one picked out so I can’t tell you that until it’s published 😉 so I’ll say “It’s Been a Wild Ride.”
Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere in the mountains.