Relay After Dark is recruiting a distinguished group of New York City young professionals who are emerging leaders in their fields and eager to raise funds and awareness through Relay After Dark for the American Cancer Society. These individuals are asked to set a fundraising commitment of $1,000 (inclusive of ticket sales), sell a minimum of five (5) tickets to their personal network, and attend the event. Anyone who is interested in becoming a Luminary Nominee should reach out to event co leads at [email protected].
Chandler Scyocurka is an operations leader and builder, recently joining Basis, an AI platform transforming the future of accounting. She previously spent seven years as Chief of Staff at Catchafire, a social impact platform rethinking the philanthropic sector.
Throughout her career, Chandler has been dedicated to supporting people, organizations, and technology that drive tangible, meaningful change in people’s lives. She serves as a junior board member for First Tech Fund, an NY-based nonprofit empowering low-income high school students through access to technology and professional mentorship, equipping them to build thriving careers post-graduation. She also volunteers with the Billion Oyster Project and serves as an alumni mentor at her alma mater, NYU.
Chandler’s motivation for getting involved with the American Cancer Society is deeply personal. Like so many, she has witnessed the physical, emotional, and financial toll of cancer on her closest loved ones. She’s seen the resilience it demands—and the critical role that community, research, and compassionate care play in healing. As a Luminary Honoree for Relay After Dark, Chandler is honored to stand alongside others committed to creating a future without cancer. She’s especially excited to raise funds that directly support patients and their families and to help fuel life-saving research.
Support Chandler
I am incredibly honored to be nominated as a Luminary! Growing up, cancer was unfortunately a familiar disease for my family. It’s impacted those I love, including my Bapa Herbie, Gammaw Natalie, and Uncle Ellison.
I’m proud to support American Cancer Society and its mission. The highlights of my involvement so far have been volunteering at Hope Lodge and running the 2024 NYC Marathon with ACS’ Determination Team. As part of my marathon fundraising effort, I asked friends and family to share the names and stories of those they love impacted by cancer. I was overwhelmed by the personal stories people shared with me about cancer’s impact on them. Thank you for your continued support to take care of those with cancer now and work towards ending cancer altogether.
I’m proud to support American Cancer Society and can’t wait to see the impact we can make together.
Support Jake
My name is Emily Bhatnagar, and I’m a 21-year-old nonprofit founder. I started my book drive, For Love & Buttercup, after my father was diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer when I was fifteen. During that incredibly difficult time, books became my safe place—and I just knew I wanted to share that same comfort with other children facing cancer. Since then, I’ve been able to donate over 25,000 books to young cancer warriors across the country. I’ve received The President’s Volunteer Service Award and was honored as a CNN Heroes Young Wonder of 2023. Being a Luminary Honoree by the American Cancer Society is deeply meaningful to me. I’m so excited to use this platform to amplify the voices of children in treatment, raise awareness for their emotional and mental well-being, and continue honoring my father’s journey through service! I truly believe that even the quietest voices can change the world when they speak from the heart.
Support Emily
