Over the next year, you may hear Relay For Life of Kane County frequently described as an 'award-winning Relay.'

That's because Relay For Life of Kane County took home three awards at the American Cancer Society's recent leadership summit in Itasca, including the group's prestigious All-American Award.

the all-American Award is a national honor awarded to Relays from across the country that have achieved excellence through growth, retention of volunteers, increased public awareness, diversity of participants and strong volunteer leadership. The 2009 Relay For Life of Kane County raised nearly $319,972, with 1,032 participants taking part in the overnight event.

Chairwoman Susan Dennison attended the Sept. 25-26 leadership summit to receive the award in person on behalf of Kane County. Dennison, a Geneva resident, has volunteered for 11 years. This year was her first time serving as chairwoman.

"This is an amazing boost for our Relay," she said. "I'm grateful to everyone from Kane County who participated, supported the event through financial or in-kind donations, the steering committee who volunteered countless hours, the Fox Valley office of the American Cancer Society, and especially, all the cancer survivors who attended, shared stories, and continue to serve as our inspiration," she said.

In addition to the all-American Award, Relay For Life of Kane County was presented with two American Cancer Society-Illinois Division honors: the Power of Hope Award and the Relay All Star Award.

The Power of Hope Award honors Relay events with the highest percentage of survivor participants compared to other communities with similar populations. At Relay For Life of Kane County, 5.1 percent of participants were cancer survivors.

The Relay All Star Award is presented to events that achieve significant fundraising and participant growth. Relay For Life of Kane County tallied greater total income, online income, number of teams and total registered participants this year - even with the current financial climate.

"In this difficult economy, cancer patients and their families need the support of the American Cancer Society more than ever," said Debra Cohen, chairman of the board of the American Cancer Society's Illinois Division. "By supporting Relay for Life of Kane County, our volunteers are joining us in fighting for every birthday threatened by cancer."

For information on Relay For Life of Kane County, or to volunteer to be part of this event in 2010, contact the American Cancer Society-Fox Valley Region at (630) 879-9009, ext. 3, or visit www.relayforlifekane.com.