NORWICH – More than 1,500 people – including approximately 600 participants and 150 cancer survivors – attended the 16th annual Relay For Life on Friday and Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, raising an estimated $150,000 for the fight against cancer.

According to Chenango Relay For Life event chair Marie DeSarro, that’s less than $5,000 shy of the Relay committee’s 2012 goal of $155,000, and donations will be accepted through Aug. 31.

Said DeSarro, “I’m pretty confident that we’ll hit that goal in the next month.”

Those interested in donating to the cause can do so by visiting the local Relay website, relayforlife.org/chenangocountyny, or mail their donation to Megan Onysko at the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.

“Just make sure to reference Relay For Life of Chenango County,” she added.

DeSarro said she wished she had a full count as to the number of luminaries placed around the fairgrounds’ track Saturday night, but did report they “practically wrapped the entire interior and exterior.”

According to Relay committee member Jessica Leizear, it’s not all that difficult to understand why the yearly event continues to grow and to succeed.

“So many people have been touched personally by cancer within their family and Relay is a way to honor their struggles, losses and achievements, which also provides family and community unity,” she added.

That sense of community, said entertainment and activities chair Christopher Greeley, is the key to Relay’s success.