Chenango County’s 17th annual Relay For Life event kicks off this afternoon, as hundreds of expected participants take to the track at the Chenango County fairgrounds in Norwich to join in solidarity to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer.
“Life may be a twister, but sorry cancer, ‘we’re in it to win it,’” is the theme adopted for this year’s event. More than 490 participants representing 40 teams are anticipated to take part in the activities that will begin at 3 p.m. and continue through the night with the closing ceremonies Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
The event’s aim this year - as has been in past years - is to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, to celebrate those who have survived, offer the public insight into the disease, and raise funds to help toward research and support programs for cancer patients and their caregivers.
Chenango’s Relay For Life has set a $158,000 goal - and is well on its way to reaching it - having raised $110,500 to date.
In 2012 the event raised more than $150,000, and Relay committee members are confident they will reach the goal they have set for this year.
The Relay For Life event begins at 3 p.m. with team registration, the opening of the Relay Store and music by Hailey Wiggins. At 4 p.m., in the main tent, there will be an awareness fair, including American Cancer Society Patient and Family Services, Bassett Healthcare Mobile Screening Unit, Chenango County Public Health, Chenango Health Network, Helping Hands Muscular Therapy and Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County.
The Survivor Dinner - catered by New York Pizzeria of New Berlin - is set to take place in the Exhibition Hall at 5 p.m.
“So far just about 275 people will be attending the Survivor Dinner,” said event chair Marie DeSarro, adding it is the biggest response for the dinner yet.
Committee member Wilma Tracey added, “The number of survivors increase year after year, that is just so great to see.”
The official opening ceremonies are slated for 6 p.m. A welcome will be given by Richard Snyder, the National Anthem will be sung by Allison Beckwith, the survivor and caregiver laps will take place, and dignitaries Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting and Honorable Judge Howard Sullivan, retired, will be speaking. Reverend “Father Chuck” Taylor will offer a prayer, and the team captains then take a lap around the track.
Special events will continue throughout the night. Events include but are not limited to: an ice cream social provided by Gillian’s Island, Pantene Beautiful Lengths hair donation with cuts provided by Teasers Salon, a children’s scavenger hunt, kids crafts and story time, a DJ dance party, a viewing of “Wreck-it Ralph” and “Clue,” and musical chairs and trivia. Cobani has donated more than 40 cases of yogurt to the cause.
