What Is International Relay For Life (IRFL)?
By Nevar Lobo
The American Cancer Society’s signature activity has become an international movement. International Relay For Life (IRFL) events are now held in more than 600 communities spanning 21 countries. This unique activity, designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for life-saving research and programs, unites and mobilizes community members committed to eliminating cancer.
The International Relay For Life Program enables cancer leagues around the world to increase their visibility and generate cancer awareness, outreach, and income while building survivorship, volunteerism, and advocacy efforts in their communities.
In 2009, local volunteers all over the world are organizing overnight Relay For Life events to support cancer organizations in:
| Australia | Germany | Jamaica | The Netherlands | South Africa |
| Brazil | Guatemala | Japan | New Zealand | Taiwan |
| Canada | Honduras | Luxembourg | Philippines | United Kingdom |
| Denmark | Ireland | Malaysia | Portugal | United States of America |
| France |
Through International Relay, survivors are given the spotlight to show that there is life after diagnosis. These “International Heroes of Hope” inspire other community members who have been touched by cancer. They are a testament to the progress that has been made in the fight against cancer and are changing the face of survivorship worldwide.
Why is Relay for Life international?
The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Cancer knows no boundaries. It is increasing as a leading killer globally, especially in the developing world. Because cancer is a global health problem, this mission extends around the world.
History of International Relay For Life
In 1996, in response to requests from international cancer organizations, the Society extended the first license for International Relay to Cancer Research UK. The successful adoption of this unique event in the United Kingdom has led to a formal International Relay program providing training and technical assistance to cancer organizations world wide.
Today, the American Cancer Society has partnered with more than 23 cancer organizations globally to license and support Relay For Life programs in other countries. Relay has proven especially important to countries at the beginning stages of educating the public and even the health care communities about this deadly and often preventable disease.
Where do the funds raised through IRFL go?
In each Relay Country, the funds are raised in support of the licensed organization’s own cancer control programs, services and research. These organizations also agree to contribute a percentage of gross income from Relay to the Global Cancer Fund of the American Cancer Society which supports cancer control programs in developing countries that would not otherwise be possible.
Where do the funds raised through Relay for Life of Second Life go?
12-15% of the funds raised by Relay for Life of Second Life go to support International Relay For Life.
Where Are Relays Held Throughout the World?
Relays For Life events were held in 20 countries in 2008 and will be held in 21 countries in 2009. Country names (and year of their launch of Relay) are listed below:
| Australia (1999) | Germany (2005) | Luxembourg (2006) | Portugal (2005) |
| Brazil (2006) | Guatemala (2004) | Malaysia (2005) | South Africa (2005) |
| Canada (1999) | Honduras (2004) | The Netherlands (2006) | Taiwan (2004) |
| Denmark (2006) | Jamaica (2004) | New Zealand (2001) | United Kingdom (1996) |
| France (2006) | Japan (2007) | Philippines (2004) | United States (1985) |
In Second Life, we have the opportunity to expand that even more. Last year there were over 26 countries represented and flags from 30 different countries including the ones listed above who did not have someone walking our virtual track.
The International Relations Committee this year is focused on growing that number, even if by 1 country. The best advertising in Second Life is by word of mouth. So getting out into the different communities and talking about the mission we are all on is a big part of what this committee will be doing. We have a growing list of Ambassadors who are already working on translations and different projects in the community. Amethyst Starostin and I (Nevar Lobo) will be available to mentor and assist in teaching people how to start teams, fundraise with their communities and spreading the word about official events.
Some of the Ambassadors are working hard already on translations and getting into the community. In the Japanese community of Second Life we have three amazing Ambassadors working together to get a blog started and to network in the social networks outside of Second Life. We have translations coming in from Russia, Ukraine , Greece, Spain, Brazil, Germany , France , and this is just a start.
Ambassadors Needed
In July, at our Main Event, our committee will have the opportunity to meet and greet people from all over the world and spread the word about what we are doing. We will have stations of notecards there in every language we can find in Second life to provide anyone who lands at our welcome center the info needed to join our Fight!
No Matter where you are from, or you friend is from, we need more Ambassadors. We are in need of someone who speaks the language in middle eastern countries, in Italy , and in African Countries. But, we are not limited to them … we need anyone who is willing to step up no matter what language you speak. The only requirement is that you can speak English also.
Prim Perfect 
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