FORT MYERS, FL February 4, 2025 – In 2025, the American Cancer Society is celebrating 40 years of impact through Relay For Life. Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, Relay For Life unites over 1,200 communities across 35 countries to celebrate people who have been affected by cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for lifesaving change. Since 1985, Relay For Life has raised $6.9 billion (about $21 per person in the US) to help save lives from cancer.
In 2025, the United States is expected to surpass two million new cancer diagnoses, with almost 172,000 expected to occur here in Florida. Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death among Americans, after heart disease.
To help end cancer as we know it for everyone, the American Cancer Society will be hosting two Relay For Life events in our community:
Relay For Life of Greater Lee
Saturday, March 29
NeoGenomics
NeoGenomics Way
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Relay For Life of Greater Collier
Friday, April 4
Aubrey Rogers High School
15100 Patriot Place
Naples, FL 34110
More than just a fundraising walk, Relay For Life is a beacon of hope, uniting communities in the fight against cancer. For 40 years, this movement has empowered individuals to make a difference, celebrating victories, honoring loved ones, sharing their stories, and striving for a world free from cancer. But we still have work to do. Every 15 seconds someone hears the words, you have cancer. Join the movement today as we strive to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Dollars raised each year by more than 1600,000 Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways, including funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education, and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.
There are many ways to get involved in Relay For Life, including:
Join: Join a Relay community to connect with survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by cancer in our community.
Sponsor: It’s never been easier to raise money for Relay For Life and invest in the American Cancer Society’s vision. Every dollar raised fuels the fight against cancer.
- Visit RelayForLife.org/greaterleefl or http://www.relayforlife.org/greatercolliercountyfl
to get involved and join your community in the fight against cancer.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.