Relay for Life kick off event this week

UTICA, N.Y. >> The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Madison County will kick off its 17th season Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Oneida Legion, 398 N. Main Street, Oneida, NY 13421.

This year’s Relay For Life event will be held on May 30, 2020, at Oneida High School. Relay For Life of Madison County is an opportunity to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against cancer. Since 1985, Relay For Life events has raised nearly $6.5 billion for the American Cancer Society.

Attendees on Thursday can join team trivia at the Oneida Legion along with raffle prizes, food, and drinks. Organizers will also reveal the 2020 Relay theme.

The Relay For Life movement continues to be the largest peer-to-peer fundraising event with 2.5 million participants globally uniting to save lives from cancer, according to a news release.

“Kick- Off is our opportunity to showcase the many programs and services the American Cancer Society provides to our neighbors and friends in the Madison County area,” says Melanie Francis, Sr. community development manager for the American Cancer Society. “Our planning team has put together a great fundraiser to help teams get started this Relay season. We’d love to have more neighbors join us in the fight against cancer.”

ACS estimates that 1 out of 3 people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Funds raised at Relay For Life events help the ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research, and gives cancer patients and their families the resources they need, like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support.

Join the Relay For Life movement in any of the following ways:

• Attend the kickoff celebration

• Start or join a fundraising team

• Volunteer to help plan or organize the event • Make a donation • Invite a cancer survivor to be celebrated, or if you’re a survivor, join us.

To learn more about Relay For Life, visit www.RelayForLife.org/ MadisonCountyNY.

FILE PHOTO Camdyn and Lindsey Cross tell Camdyn’s story of overcoming acute lymphoblastic leukemia during the Relay for Life of Madison County in Oneida on Saturday, June 2, 2018.

FILE PHOTO Survivors walk a lap around Vets Field at the Relay for Life of Madison County on Saturday, June 2, 2018.