The power of a caregiver army — and a loving reminder to get screened

SHELBY COUNTY — When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, the first thoughts are often medical: What’s next? What’s the plan? But very quickly, another truth becomes clear — cancer is rarely faced by one person alone. It is faced by a spouse, a parent, an adult child, a friend, a neighbor, a co‑worker… a whole circle of people who step in and help carry the load.
Caregivers are the people who show up again and again — driving to appointments, coordinating meals, tracking medications, taking notes, and offering steady encouragement when life feels uncertain. Their support can ease stress, improve communication, and help patients feel less alone. And caregiving doesn’t end when treatment ends. Follow‑up visits, side effects, fatigue, financial strain, and fear of recurrence can continue into survivorship — and caregivers are often still there, quietly holding things together. To every caregiver in our community: we see you, we value you, and we are grateful for you.
Caregivers Need Care, Too
Caregivers frequently put their own needs on the back burner. But caregiver burnout is real, and support matters. The American Cancer Society offers trusted resources for both patients and caregivers — not only for information, but also for connection and emotional support. 
Help at Your Fingertips: ACS CARES®: One easy way to connect to support is ACS CARES®, a free app designed to help people facing cancer, along with their families and caregivers, navigate the cancer journey with confidence. It offers curated information and connects users to support and resources, including the ability to reach cancer information specialists and connect with trained volunteers.

Learn more
Community and Connection: Cancer Survivors Network (CSN): Sometimes the most helpful words are, “You’re not alone.” The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a safe online community where patients, survivors, caregivers, family members, and friends can connect, ask questions, and share real‑life tips and encouragement — anytime.
Visit: Cancer Survivors Network at cancer.org
One Call Can Connect You to Support: If you aren’t sure where to start, start with a conversation. The American Cancer Society offers 24/7 support through trained cancer information specialists who can answer questions and connect you to programs and services. Call 1‑800‑227‑234.
As part of the 2026 30th year celebration, Shelby County Relay For Life is excited to add a new Caregiver Ceremony + Butterfly Release. This year, organizers are focusing on “Event Enhancements”, and how to improve the overall participant experience. One way they are excited to share is how they plan to honor and include caregivers at the event. This year, they are introducing a new Caregiver Ceremony, featuring a special butterfly release — a beautiful moment to recognize those who provide care, strength, and love throughout the cancer journey.
Community members will be able to purchase and dedicate a butterfly in honor, support or in memory of a caregiver, a loved one, a survivor, or someone’s journey with cancer. To purchase and dedicate a butterfly today, please go the Wings of Hope team, or directly to: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/sandylansman
Shelby County Relay For Life Lead Suzie Mages said, “This is one more way we’re creating a meaningful experience for caregivers and reminding them: we see you, we value you, and you are not alone. We can’t wait to see all of you June 5.”