By JESSICA SIEFF
Edwardsburg Argus

In small towns, big cities and rural areas across the country every year friends, family and neighbors and even co-workers come together, form a team and out of dedication to a cause, raise money to fight cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Last year, cancer met a new, formidable foe when the Village of Edwardsburg brought the American Cancer Society and held its first Relay For Life event.

In its first year, Edwardsburg blew away its goal raising $44,273 for cancer research – $7,000 over its original goal.

“I think we promoted it so hard,” Chad King, event chairman, said Monday. “And cancer and cancer research is something everyone has been affected by in some way shape or form.”

King also gives Edwardsburg much of the credit.

“You can really get this community to step up,” he said.

The kickoff for this year’s event will be held Monday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Edwardsburg American Legion.

Residents are invited to attend the kick-off, learn more about the event, get information and questions answered and sign up.

Teams typically raise funds throughout the period leading up to the relay, when a 24-hour walk will take place at Edwardsburg Middle School on Saturday, July 31, starting at 10 a.m. and lasting until 10 a.m. Sunday.

Those interested in learning more about the event prior to kick-off can visit www.relayforlife.org/edwardsburgmi for more information.

King hopes the turnout for Edwardsburg’s second event will surpass last year’s impressive numbers.

“Last year we had 34 teams actually get involved,” he said. “As far as I know a good portion of these teams are planning to come back.”

This year’s goal is to raise $45,000 to fund cancer research.

“We’re hoping this year will be even bigger,” King said.

“It’s such a meaningful event,” he added. “And the money raised for the Relay for Life, for the American Cancer Society stays in our area. That money that is raised is actually used for what it’s raised for.”

Raising money is just part of the overall experience, King said. With so many people finding a connection to cancer, either having lost someone to some form of cancer or knowing someone who has been in a fight against the disease, the event is just a way for people to connect with each other, hear their stories, share their battles.

“You meet a lot of good people,” King said. “You meet a lot of survivors. It’s just a good time.”