Thursday January 31, 2013

NORTH ADAMS -- The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Northern Berkshire gives the community a chance to help the Society save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, faith-based and civic organizations, and anyone wanting to make a difference in the fight against cancer are invited to take part in this event. Relay for Life takes place from 6 p.m., Friday, May 31, to noon Saturday, June 1 at Noel Field Athletic Complex.

Relay for Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do most of the fundraising prior to the event, but some teams hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during the Relay. People from all walks of life come together with a common goal of furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

Last year, Relay for Life Northern Berkshire had 61 teams that raised over $170,000 for the fight against cancer. They celebrated with over 225 cancer survivors that walked the track for the opening survivor lap.

"Relay for Life draws attention to

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the progress being made in the fight against cancer," Laura Baran, Relayu for Life Program Manager for the American Cancer Society, said. "Many participants are our family, friends and neighbors who have faced cancer themselves. Their involvement helps bring hope that, together, we can eliminate cancer as a major health problem. The American Cancer Society just released that there has been a 20 percent decline in cancer mortality from its peak in 1991, translating to the avioidance of of approximarely 1.2 million from cancer. that’s more than 400 birthdays celebrated each and every day. It’s because of what these Relay teams are doing that we are making this progress."

To register a team, visit relayforlife.org/northernberkshirema or call 413-664-4202.