15 teams signed for 'Relay for Life'

With the American Cancer Society's 100th anniversary as its backdrop, the local "Relay for Life" will be held at the Pinckneyville fairgrounds a week from today and is sporting 15 teams and $11,000 already in the bank.

The all-night walk raised $37.081 last year with a goal of $45,000 this year. Much of the money raised so far, but still out there, is expected to be turned in at an American Cancer Society "bank night" next Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 3811 Illinois Rt. 127 in Pinckneyville, according to spokesman Connor James.

The May 17 event will begin at 5 p.m. with a survivors dinner in a special tent at the Pinckneyville fairgrounds. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m.

The lighting of luminaries will be held at 9 p.m. in memory of those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors.

There will be food and entertainment throughout the night.

The walk ends at 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

From organizing teams, to entertainment planning, to fundraising --- there are many different ways to get involved and help make this cancer's last century.

"On May 22, 2013 the American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of fighting to save lives from cancer, and it's the progress we've made together - as a community, as volunteers, as survivors and as leaders - that has helped us reach this incredible milestone with tremendous success," says James, Local ACS Spokesperson. "We've never been more ready to complete our mission and put ourselves out of business. By lending your support to the Perry County Relay event this year, you'll be helping the Society finish the fight and bring an end to cancer as we know it."

During Relay For Life events, teams camp out overnight at a local school, park, or fairground, and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

To join the Relay For Life of Perry County as a volunteer, Team Captain, or participant, and to learn more about the program, call the American Cancer Society at 618.998.9898 option #3, or visit RelayForLife.org.