Join the kickoff for Wheeling Relay for Life

Friends, neighbors and cancer survivors are coming together for an energizing celebration to kick off the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Wheeling and unveil highlights planned for this year's event to "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back."

Anyone interested in getting involved in or learning more about Relay For Life is encouraged to attend.

The kickoff celebration for the ninth annual Relay For Life of Wheeling Open House will be held from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Feb. 24, with a program at 7 p.m. at the Wheeling Park District in Wheeling.

In addition to learning about how the American Cancer Society saves lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back, guests will be treated to birthday themed refreshments, have an opportunity to win prizes, and hear from local cancer survivors.

"Relay For Life is a fun, family focused event where the community comes together in the fight against cancer," said Cheryl Griffin, event chair. "One in two men and one in three women have a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer. So many lives are touched by cancer. We Relay so that someday we will be able to eliminate this disease forever."

Relay For Life is an overnight event where teams of local businesses, schools, religious organizations, community groups and families build awareness and raise funds - before and at the event - to fight cancer.

This year's American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Wheeling will be held 6 p.m. May 22 to 6 a.m. May 23 at Wheeling High School.

Volunteers are needed to organize and recruit teams, secure community support, coordinate logistics, obtain refreshments and prizes, assist with publicity and plan entertainment activities for this exciting and energizing event, which celebrates cancer survivors while honoring those in the community who lost their battle with cancer.

For details on the kickoff celebration, call the American Cancer Society at (847) 368-166 or visit relayforlifewheeling.com. Teams may register online anytime.