Relay for Life of Webb County Wins Major American Cancer Society Award

Local event named 2025 South Texas Event of the Year for growth in participation, fundraising, and community engagement.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Relay for Life of Webb County has been named the American Cancer Society's 2025 South Texas Event of the Year, earning the regional distinction for the first time in its history. The announcement was made during a recognition event attended by volunteers, survivors, sponsors and community leaders. The honor recognizes the local relay's growth in participation and fundraising along with year-round efforts focused on cancer survivors and caregivers.

Why it matters

The Relay for Life event in Webb County, Texas has become a standout community effort in the fight against cancer, demonstrating the power of grassroots mobilization and the impact that local communities can have in supporting cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

The details

In 2025, Relay for Life of Webb County and its affiliated campaigns raised more than $200,000 to support the American Cancer Society. The event leadership team has expanded significantly since the original eight volunteers, now up to 37 members. A large portion of the fundraising total came from the Laredo Wears Pink campaign, which organizers described as a standout effort. Beyond fundraising, the relay remains focused on survivor outreach, hosting dedicated survivor-focused activities throughout the year.

  • Relay for Life of Webb County was named the 2025 South Texas Event of the Year.
  • In 2025, Relay for Life of Webb County and its affiliated campaigns raised more than $200,000 to support the American Cancer Society.
  • The next Relay for Life event is scheduled for April 24, 2026 and will carry the theme 'Game On for a Cure'.

The players

Laura Nanez

Event lead for Relay for Life of Webb County.

Patty Vela

A Relay for Life volunteer who spoke about the impact of the event after cancer affected her husband.

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What they’re saying

“For the first time, Relay for Life of Webb County has been awarded this award, event of the year, and we are extremely excited and happy. Throughout the years, it's been growing, and there's so much we do that we really do deserve this award.”

— Laura Nanez, Event lead for Relay for Life of Webb County

“You don't understand what this journey is until you walk through it. Being able to call someone at 3 o'clock in the morning, a stranger, and for them to give me words of comfort. They were there for me.”

— Patty Vela, Relay for Life volunteer

What’s next

Relay for Life of Webb County will now advance for national consideration for the American Cancer Society's Spirit of Relay awards, with national honorees expected to be announced next month.

The takeaway

The Relay for Life event in Webb County has become a powerful community-driven effort to support cancer patients, survivors, and their families, demonstrating the impact that grassroots mobilization and local engagement can have in the fight against cancer.