Yuma County Relay for Life Marks 30th Anniversary March 21

Thirty years after Yuma County first joined the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser, Relay for Life of Yuma County returns to the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex on Saturday, March 21, with a full-day event running from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 1700 E. 8th St.

Registration is free at RelayForLife.org/yumacountyaz, and every cancer survivor who registers will receive this year's commemorative t-shirt. Sponsorships are also available for businesses and community members who want a more formal role in supporting the event.

The day is built around three purposes: honoring lives lost to cancer, celebrating survivors, and supporting the caregivers who help them. Teams competing on the leaderboard this year include the Emerald Team, Platinum Team, Silver Team, and Bronze Team. Fundraisers earn points for every dollar raised, redeemable for Relay products and swag through the Relay Rewards program, and additional gear is available through the ACS Event Shop.

Lindsey Elk, co-lead for Relay for Life Yuma County, said the event carries weight well beyond a single day on the calendar. "It is very important because cancer has touched all of us, there is not a single person that cancer has not touched. Yuma has recently been awarded the West Coast event of the year, and we are up for the national title because of the amazing community we have," Elk said.

That community momentum was visible earlier in the season when Yuma County residents gathered at Inca Lanes for a #FirstLap kickoff event, taking a ceremonial first lap in honor of cancer patients and survivors. After the lap, participants could register and sign up for a bowling tournament, with proceeds directed toward Relay for Life Yuma County.

Organizers note the event proceeds rain or shine. Participants with questions about what to bring, when to arrive, or what to expect can review the Event Details page on the official event listing. Contact event manager Amber Thornton at relayforlifeofyuma@gmail.com or 800.227.2345 for additional information.

The American Cancer Society holds a Charity Navigator Four-Star rating, BBB Accredited Charity status, and the Candid Seal Platinum Transparency 2025 designation. The event motto says it plainly: "Every cancer. Every life.