Relay For Life at Father Ryan

A Relay to Remember

On Saturday, the Father Ryan community came together for Relay For Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society and support the fight against cancer. As the largest student-run Relay For Life event in the country, this year’s gathering was exceptional, raising $92,521 and contributing to Father Ryan’s lifetime total of over $2 million.

We would like to thank all the students, faculty, alumni, and community members who joined us to honor cancer fighters and survivors. Every donation, step, and lap reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that together, no one walks alone in the fight against cancer.

Thank you to our amazing Relay For Life Co-chairs, Carter McHale '26 and Maggie O'Sullivan '26, and the entire committee for all their hard work and leadership this year.

Ending Cancer Starts On Campus

Members from the American Cancer Society joined the Father Ryan Relay for Life committee at Break for a special presentation to celebrate reaching $2,000,000 in lifetime fundraising! John Bearden, Father Ryan class of 1968, and member of ACS Tennessee Board, also attended the event where he spoke to students about his Father Ryan experience, how Father Ryan today has the best reputation and results the school has ever seen, shared his story of his battle against cancer, and how the efforts of our Relay students inspire him.

The Spirit of Relay

Father Ryan High School was named the first-ever recipient of the Pat Flynn Spirit of Relay Award from the American Cancer Society in 2019. The nomination-based award is given in memory of Pat Flynn, known as the "Mother of Relay" who inspired Relay participants around the world. This award honors an event or individual that embodies the same spirit of Relay as Pat Flynn.