Since 1987 Frederick County residents have been walking circles around cancer—literally and figuratively. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® of Frederick County has been raising dollars and awareness for 10 years—circling a track through the wee hours of the night—raising a 10-year total of $1,047,312 to date.

"Many people don’t know what Relay For Life is," says Susan Smith, event co-chair. "They hear the word Relay and think we are running a race." The only race at the Great Frederick Fairgrounds from May 19th to 20th is a race against time. Relayers are racing to raise dollars for research, to raise awareness, and to raise hope.

"It’s an incredibly fun and inspiring event," says Dawn Richards, ACS representative. "Throughout the evening there are inspiring ceremonies like the Luminaria Ceremony—thousands of luminary bags are sold to honor those who have fought cancer. When they are all lit and glowing at once…it’s a touching moment."

The Survivors Walk and Survivors Reception are two other important traditions. According to Mary Ford-Naill, event co-chair, "Everyone at Relay has been touched in some way by cancer—either a mother, a father, a sibling, a friend. Everyone has a story to share. There is an incredible amount of hope and determination; everyone working for one thing—to find a cure."

Locally a number of residents have formed teams to participate in this year’s relay. Local team captains include Joanne Fuss of Thurmont, JC Crusaders; Jennifer Harbaugh of Rocky Ridge, Stars of Hope 1; Crocker Walkers; Lynn Ott of Emmitsburg, The Golf Club; Susan Smith of Thurmont, Apples United Church of Christ; Gene & Peggy Stitely of Thurmont, Lifesavers; and Andrea Stossel of Thurmont, Penny Loafers, Kimberly Stup of Thurmont, MAMSI, and Nicole Ebbess of Rocky Ridge.

A new twist to Frederick County’s Relay is the addition of a comprehensive website. "The website is an excellent tool that promises to bring our local event into the 21st century," says Laurie Frey, online chair. "Besides being a great resource for information, it is going to be a tremendous aid to walkers in their fundraising efforts."

The website includes such features as online team, individual and volunteer registrations. Sponsorship opportunities—both corporate and private—are contained there, as well as the ability to make online donations. "Relay participants will now have the ability to email supporters and direct them to their personal webpage where progress toward a participant’s fundraising goal can be tracked, and donations can be made right online," says Frey. And there is a printable donation form there as well for those who prefer to donate by cash or check.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® website can be accessed at www.acsevents.org/relay/frederick. Team Captains and interested participants are invited and encouraged to attend an informational training session on Sunday, February19, at 3 p.m. at the C. Burr Artz Library in the Community Room. For additional information on Frederick County Relay For Life®, contact Dawn Richards at 1-888-535-4555.