PRESQUE ISLE — Organizers of the Aroostook County Relay for Life have been busy making plans for one of the area’s most popular summer events.
“Our planning committee has been meeting since October and we’ve set goals for the year,” said Karin Howe, Aroostook County Relay for Life co-chair. “We’re working hard to make the 2013 event the biggest Relay ever held in northern Maine.”
Relay for Life is the largest non-profit fund-raising event in the world. The Aroostook County event has grown significantly over the last several years, taking in close to $140,000 in 2012. The 2013 event will take place Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 at the Caribou High School track.
“We come to Relay to celebrate, remember and fight back,” said Howe. “There are inspirational moments when we recognize survivors and reflect on those who have lost the battle to cancer. We also walk around the track, listen to music, share stories, and eat great food. It’s both powerful and fun.”
This year’s event kicks off at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Event organizers will be on hand to explain how Relay works, give participants a taste of what happens at the event, help new teams get started, and answer questions. A free dessert reception will be provided.
“We hear every year about people who don’t come to Relay because they were not aware of the event or were never asked,” said Howe. “We’re inviting anyone who has been touched by cancer and is looking for a fun way to make a difference to join us at the kickoff. It’s a great way to find out what Relay is all about.”
Howe says that the best way to get involved in Relay is to start a team. Teams can be as small as 15 people. Many team leaders start teams by asking friends, family and co-workers to join them at Relay.
“Teams are the heart and soul of Relay,” said Howe. “Many of the teams hold fund-raising events throughout the year. Others focus on asking businesses, family and friends for support. Each team is different, but they all share one thing in common: everyone is committed to doing whatever it takes to reduce the impact of this terrible disease.”
Money raised at Aroostook County Relay for Life funds local programs that provide rides to appointments, help people cope with the cosmetic changes caused by cancer treatment, and educate patients, family members and others about the disease. The event also supports life-saving cancer research, some of which takes place in Maine.
To RSVP for the Feb. 12 kickoff event, e-mail mike.hart@cancer.org.
