On April 30, Relayers across the country came together for Gordy’s Give Back Day 2026 to honor the legacy of Dr. Gordy Klatt and support the future of the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life.
And what an incredible impact this community made.
Together, Relay For Life participants, volunteers, donors, survivors, caregivers, and supporters raised $661,662.19 in just one day to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
A total of 434 Relay For Life events took part in Gordy’s Give Back Day, showing the strength and reach of this movement in communities across the country.
Inspired by the challenge to give or fundraise $43 on 4/30 in tribute to Gordy’s original vision, 1,609 people raised $43 or more during the day. Every dollar raised helps power the mission of the American Cancer Society through research, advocacy, and patient support programs.
We also proudly recognize the 83 members of Gordy’s Grand Club —participants who raised more than $1,000 on Gordy’s Give Back Day. Their extraordinary commitment and leadership helped drive this day to new heights.
“More than 40 years after Gordy took those first steps, the Relay For Life community continues to show what’s possible when people come together with purpose,” said Becky VanLoon, National Volunteer Lead for Relay For Life. “Every fundraiser, every donor, and every volunteer who participated in Gordy’s Give Back Day helped continue a legacy of hope and impact that is changing lives across the country.”
More than 40 years after Gordy walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, the Relay For Life community continues to carry his spirit forward with the same passion, dedication, and determination to make a difference.
Thank you to everyone who donated, fundraised, shared a post, sent a text, made a call, or encouraged someone else to get involved. Every action mattered.
Prize pack drawings for eligible participants will take place next week, and winners will be contacted via email.
Thank you for making Gordy’s Give Back Day 2026 an incredible success. 💜
Top 10 Events by Total Revenue
| Relay For Life of East Valley AZ Presented by Big O Tires | $105,482.97 |
| Relay For Life of Armstrong County Presented by Snyder Associated Companies Inc. | $32,618.04 |
| Relay For Life of Venice and Surrounding Areas | $22,819.55 |
| Relay For Life of Blair | $22,372.12 |
| Relay For Life of Bakersfield, CA | $20,941.62 |
| Relay For Life of Berks | $17,925.23 |
| Relay For Life of Liberty County | $14,623.63 |
| Relay For Life of Centre County | $12,898.11 |
| Relay For Life of Gwinnett Presented by Primerica and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute | $10,383.69 |
| Relay For Life of Lyon County | $9,860.00 |
Top 10 Events by $43+ Fundraisers
| Relay For Life of Liberty County | 56 |
| Relay For Life of Centre County | 47 |
| Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley | 43 |
| Relay For Life of South Hampton Roads Presented by Chesapeake Regional Healthcare | 39 |
| Relay For Life of Blair | 39 |
| Relay For Life of Plattsburgh | 37 |
| Relay For Life of Berks | 36 |
| Relay For Life of Armstrong County Presented by Snyder Associated Companies Inc. | 30 |
| Relay For Life of Bakersfield, CA | 24 |
| Relay For Life of Farmington Valley | 21 |