CRESTVIEW — The American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life of Crestview will kick off the 2020 season on Jan. 23 in the Crestview High School cafeteria.
The kickoff meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. During the meeting, participants will have their questions answered, hear from a guest speaker and find out the theme for this year’s event.
This year’s Relay For Life event will be held on April 24 at Jack Foster Stadium beginning at 6 p.m. The Relay For Life of Crestview is an opportunity to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.
“Cancer unfortunately touches all of us at some point in our lives,” said event overseer Chelsea Becker. “It’s such an important thing to keep in mind while we fundraise for a cure.”
Since 1985, Relay For Life events have raised nearly $6.5 billion for the American Cancer Society.
Becker said that while a goal has not been set for this year, the organization hopes to achieve around $70,000 from the event.
ACS estimates that one out of three people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Funds raised at Relay For Life events help the ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research. It also gives cancer patients and their families the resources they need like free rides to chemotherapy, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support.
Residents can join the Relay For Life movement in several ways, including attending the kickoff celebration, starting or joining a fundraising team, volunteering for the event or making a donation.
“It’s a fun community event,” Becker said. “It’s a great way to come together as a community for a cause that is good.”
To learn more, visit RelayForLife.org or relayforlife.org/crestviewfl.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Relay for Life of Crestview to kick off 2020 season