On Friday, April 25 from 6 p.m. to Saturday, April 26 around 6 a.m., families and friends are invited to join the Clinton County Relay For Life teams for the annual signature fundraiser to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is a chance for communities to fight back against cancer. It’s a chance to honor those who are currently fighting cancer, those who have beat it, and those brave individuals who have lost their lives to the unforgiving disease. It’s a night for the community to come together to walk and run around a track to raise money to fight a disease that has claimed too many of its neighbors.

It’s also a chance to celebrate and remember. The event kicks off with a Survivor Lap, where cancer survivors are honored by their loved ones and all those who are present, for their courage. A Luminaria Ceremony takes place later in the evening, where candles are lit in honor or memory of all those who have been affected by cancer.

In past years, per capita, Clinton County has been a leading fundraiser each year in the Relay For Life program, but 2014 may not be as fortunate as the numbers of volunteers and teams raising money for the cause has decreased from years past.

Lisa Smith, communications coordinator for the local Relay For Life, said last week that the number of people attending meetings so far this year, as well as volunteers and team numbers, have been down. Thus far, only nine teams have formed to raise money this year, compared to 12 or 13 this same time a year ago.

“The event will go on, we just don’t know how it will compare to last year,” Smith said.

The 2013 Relay was a near record breaking event for the total amount of local money raised, with a little over $72,000, which was above the $70,000 goal set by last year’s Relay For Life committee. Also, no one has come forward to become chairperson of this year’s committee and no specific goal for the year has been set yet, according to Smith.

There have been some other changes as Clinton County in years past has been in the Somerset Region of the American Cancer Society, but this year has been moved to the Bowling Green area, meaning new people are guiding the local event.

Smith also noted the committee has had some problems getting sponsors this year but noted its still not too late for anyone, including businesses, individuals and organizations to get involved in Relay For Life prior to April 25 and noted the next committee meeting is scheduled for next Monday, April 7 at 5 p.m. at the Early Childhood Center. Anyone interested in helping out in this year’s fundraiser is encouraged to attend the meeting.

Luminarias are also available to purchase in remembrance of loved ones and are $5 each. For more information or to purchase a luminaria, contact Kathleen Gregory.

Smith theorized that some of the reasons of the shortage this year is the program has been running for several years and some people may be getting a little weary and also that the current poor economy is keeping people from being able to sponsor funds as in the past. However, a large portion of the revenues raised from the annual event stays in the local area.

Proceeds raised from Relay For Life allow the American Cancer Society to continue their 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year services to cancer patients and their families. Nearly 14 million cancer survivors will add another candle to their birthday cake this year, and thanks to communities like Albany/Clinton County, this number will increase.

Help Albany/Clinton County at its Relay For Life and help the American Cancer Society and millions of survivors stay strong, fight back and overcome cancer. Help support Clinton County by coming together Friday, April 25 at 6 p.m. To find out more about this Relay For Life event including how to get involved, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org.

A complete program as to the activities and festivities that will be taking place on the night and early morning hours of the Relay event had not be set at press time. More details on the Relay For Life will be published in the coming weeks prior to the event taking place.