Relay For Life set for Livingston

LIVINGSTON -- The American Cancer Society announced Tuesday that its fifth annual Relay For Life event will be held April 20-21 at Livingston High School.

Considered the signature fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society, the Relay For Life is a 24-hour team event to fight cancer.

Officials said each relay consists of teams of 10 to 15 participants who take turns running or walking around a track to raise money.

Last year, the Livingston event raised $54,918.

The money is put toward cancer research, education, patient service programs and advocacy.

Event coordinators are looking for community volunteers in the Livingston and Delhi area to help with different aspects of the event, including fund raising, sponsorship, publicity and team development.

Officials said they also need volunteers to help on the day of the event.

The American Cancer Society said Relay For Life events give communities across the globe a chance to "celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease."

In 2011, more than 5,100 communities nationwide hosted a Relay For Life event, according to cancer.org.

For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/livingstonca or call volunteer event chair Sandra Betschart at (209) 761-4505.

Reporter Ramona Giwargis can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or rgiwargis@mercedsunstar.com.