BANGOR — The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Penobscot County is getting the last details in place for this year’s event, which will take place Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, at the University of Maine’s Morse Field. Event Chair Karen Girvan said that the planning committee is still seeking cancer survivors for the survivor lap and banquet that kicks off the event.
“This cause hits close to home for so many Mainers,” said Girvan. “It seems that very few folks haven’t been touched in some way by cancer. In the northern two thirds of our state, incidence of cancer is among the highest in the nation. The Relay For Life is a way we can bring attention to these alarming numbers and help those who have been affected by this disease fight back.”
Relay For Life teams raise funds throughout the year by donations, car washes, sponsored events at area businesses, raffles and bottle drives. While at the track, teams also have on-site fundraisers. Some sell food, others handmade jewelry, and depending on the weather, hot or iced beverages.
The world’s largest grassroots fundraising movement, Relay For Life mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease.
Relay For Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools and faith-based groups all furthering the efforts of the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.
There is still time to help. To donate, sign up a team or sponsor Relay For Life of Penobscot, call 800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/penobscotme.