Award-Winning Relay For Life of Paramus Returns on June 12 to Support the American Cancer Society

PARAMUS, NJ — The award-winning Relay For Life of Paramus will return for its 14th annual event on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the Paramus Recreation Fields behind Parkway Elementary School. The volunteer-led community fundraiser will bring together survivors, caregivers, students, local businesses, and volunteers from across Bergen County to support the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.

Benefiting the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life unites communities in the fight against cancer by honoring survivors, remembering loved ones, and supporting those undergoing treatment. Donations fund groundbreaking research and provide support for patients and families, including free transportation to treatment appointments, lodging near hospitals, and round-the-clock support resources.

The Relay For Life of Paramus has raised more than $1.1 million since its founding in 2013 and has become one of New Jersey’s top Relay For Life events. In 2025, the event ranked second in both total fundraising and registered participants across all Relay For Life events in New Jersey. Multiple teams and participants also reached major fundraising milestones, with members raising more than $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 in support of the American Cancer Society. As of this release, the 2026 event has already raised over $50,000 toward its $80,000 fundraising goal.

Relay For Life is a team walk, not a race, in which participants “relay” the responsibility of keeping at least one team member on the track throughout the evening, symbolizing that cancer never sleeps. The event will feature survivor celebrations, a luminaria ceremony, a tricky tray raffle, yoga under the stars, themed team campsites, and other family-friendly activities throughout the night. Food from local restaurants, including Biagio's Ristorante and Rispoli's Pastry Shop, will also be available. Alliance Orthopedics will lead a stretching session. The Ice Cream Lady will visit and donate a portion of the proceeds to the event.

One of the evening’s most meaningful traditions is the luminaria ceremony. With the lights turned off, the track glows from illuminated luminaria bags as participants walk together in silence, reflecting on loved ones affected by cancer and their personal reason to Relay. The silent lap is followed by a slideshow featuring music and participant-submitted photos and names honoring those impacted by cancer.

“Cancer affects everyone differently, and Relay For Life brings our community together to support one another and be reminded that no one fights alone,” said David Manis, Online Marketing Lead for the Relay For Life of Paramus. “Relay demonstrates the strength of community and the powerful support system surrounding every person impacted by cancer.”

Manis has volunteered with the Paramus event since its founding in 2013 and was recently named the American Cancer Society’s 2025 New Jersey Community Relay Volunteer of the Year.

This year’s event will also welcome back teams and participants from the former Glen Rock/Fair Lawn Relay For Life, as well as the River Dell High School Cancer Awareness Club, continuing a long-standing tradition of regional collaboration and support for the American Cancer Society.

Valley Health System remains a major sponsor and supporter of the event. Employees will once again form a large team, continuing the health system’s 24-year participation in Relay For Life. Over that time, Valley’s team members have raised more than half a million dollars for the American Cancer Society. The opening ceremony will also include remarks from Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, Head of Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncology at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Relay For Life of Paramus is free and open to participants from Paramus, Glen Rock, River Edge, Oradell, and surrounding communities. Registration is required, and advanced registration online or by phone is strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth check-in. Community members can register, donate, volunteer, or learn more about corporate sponsorship opportunities at relayforlife.org/paramusnj or by calling 1-800-227-2345.

About Relay For Life of Paramus

Relay For Life of Paramus is a volunteer-led community fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society. Since 2013, the event has raised more than $1.1 million to support cancer research, patient services, advocacy, and programs that help cancer patients and families nationwide, while honoring survivors and remembering loved ones affected by cancer.