American Cancer Society Announces the Retirement of Beloved Relay For Life of Second Life Volunteers MamaP Beerbaum and Trager Alter

SECOND LIFE, November 24, 2025

The American Cancer Society (ACS) in Second Life today celebrates and announces the retirement of two iconic volunteer leaders whose vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication have shaped more than a decade of progress in the virtual world: MamaP Beerbaum and Trager Alter.

For thousands of volunteers across Second Life, MamaP and Trager have been pillars of hope, leadership, and community. Their combined legacy reflects not only extraordinary fundraising accomplishments but also the countless lives uplifted through their commitment to Relay For Life’s mission.

Honoring MamaP Beerbaum: Decades of Heart, Hope, and Tradition

Few names in Relay For Life of Second Life evoke as much warmth and gratitude as MamaP Beerbaum. Serving as Chairperson of Relay For Life of Second Life in 2011 and 2012, MamaP guided the community with steadiness, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the “why” behind every event: supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society.

After stepping back to create space for new leaders, MamaP returned in 2018 to contribute her wisdom and heart to the “Relay Refresh,” once again serving on the Leadership Team. Her impact was immediate and lasting, helping revitalize the program while upholding its most cherished traditions.

A member of the ACS in SL Hall of Honor, MamaP made it her priority to center the mission above all else. She championed unity, purpose, and above all, hope, always reminding volunteers to stay focused on the lives being changed. She preserved sacred traditions such as her favorite, the annual reading of “The Empty Table” to close Relay Weekend, a moment that came to symbolize remembrance, love, and strength for thousands.

During MamaP’s many years of leadership, the Relay For Life of Second Life community raised an astounding $3,756,856 for the American Cancer Society. For more than a decade, she truly was the “mama” of Relay.

Celebrating Trager Alter: A Visionary for Innovation and Storytelling

Joining the Leadership Team in 2019, Trager Alter brought with him a passion for people, storytelling, and technology. With extensive experience in growing communities and bringing creative ideas to life, Trager immediately became a catalyst for a new era of engagement within ACS in Second Life.

A natural innovator, Trager embraced emerging technologies and transformed them into tools that helped elevate the voices of survivors, caregivers, and volunteers. He pioneered fresh approaches to content creation, particularly through the audio packages he crafted for Relay For Life ceremonies, always highlighting the stories of others before his own.

Under his collaborative leadership, the volunteer community raised $2,800,471, a testament to his belief in progress and his mantra: “Forward, always forward.”

A Legacy That Inspires the Future

In the spirit of that forward momentum, both MamaP and Trager have decided it is time for them, and for the American Cancer Society in Second Life, to begin a new chapter.

“We always joked about sitting in the rocking chairs on the porch, so I can certainly see Mama taking some well-deserved rest on the porch, making some pumpkin bread, decorating early for Christmas, watching Survivor and Big Brother, doting on her grandchildren, and resting easy knowing that she truly saved countless lives with her compassionate heart,” said Stingray9798 Raymaker, Director of the American Cancer Society in Second Life.

The ACS community extends profound gratitude to MamaP and Trager for their leadership, their humanity, and their tireless dedication to a world where no one faces cancer alone.

Join the Next Chapter of Relay For Life of Second Life

Relay For Life 2026 team registration opens January 15, with the season officially kicking off February 7. Relay Weekend will be held June 13–14, 2026. For information about forming your own fundraising team, contact Selene Jashan in Second Life.

About the American Cancer Society in Second Life

For more than 20 years, the American Cancer Society in Second Life has brought together residents from around the globe to raise funds, build community, and support people affected by cancer, proving that even in a virtual world, real impact is possible.