NORWICH – Relay for Life of Chenango County held its annual kick-off event at the Morrisville State College Norwich campus on Tuesday, putting in motion another year hopeful of creating a world without cancer.

With the steadfast mission to raise money for cancer research, Chenango County’s Relay team has something new to celebrate this year. The team was recently lauded by the Relay for Life organization for its outstanding fundraising efforts that brought in more than $123,000 last year alone.

Under the auspices of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a global advocate of cancer research. Started by a small group 30 years ago as a way to raise funds for cancer research while honoring those who fight the disease, Relay for Life events today take place in more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries. Each Relay event is special to its community, but the organization says every event’s true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters that help.

This year, Chenango’s Relay team starts their fundraising efforts knowing they’re one of the most successful Relay teams in New York State. The team was eighth in the upstate New York region for fundraising efforts last year.

“There are thousands of Relay for Life teams in upstate New York, so to have an award like this is really an honor,” said Relay for Life of Chenango County Event Chair Kristina Shaw, who broke the news to Chenango’s Relay team on Tuesday. “It wouldn’t have been possible unless we had these teams with their dedication and their support for the last 20 years.”

Funds raised globally make a difference in the fight against cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, money raised will help nearly 14 million cancer survivors from all over celebrate another birthday this year.