CHENANGO COUNTY – Team captains and committee members gathered at the BOCES Support Services Center on Tuesday night to discuss the 2008 Chenango County Relay for Life event, planned for Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19.

Teams from all over the county gathered to discuss plans for the annual 16-hour walk at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich. The American Cancer Society event raises money for cancer research and services.

According to the event’s web site, Relay for Life is: “A time and place where people come to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against a disease that touches too many lives.”

Celebrating, remembering and fighting back are three major parts of the relay. The event begins with a celebration. After opening ceremonies, cancer survivors take the field and celebrate their success in the fight against cancer, as they walk the survivors lap. Survivors include individuals who have survived cancer, and those who are still in the fight. A second lap is reserved for survivors and those who cared for them, or are caring for them during their time of need. Once the opening laps are completed, groups of walkers hit the track and begin walking for their team. Each year the event has a different theme. This year’s relay theme will be “Winter Wonderland.”