Rockport — The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of MidCoast Maine will officially get under way as cancer survivors, caregivers, families, schools, companies, faith-based and civic organizations gather at the Camden Hills Regional High School Wave Cafe on Thursday, March 14, at 6 p.m. for a kick-off rally to launch their fundraising efforts for the year.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. People from all walks of life come together with a shared mission of furthering the American Cancer Society’s vision of creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay.

The 2013 Relay For Life of MidCoast Maine is scheduled for Friday, June 21 at Camden Hills Regional High School track. Anyone interested in forming a team, volunteering for the event, joining the planning committee, or just learning more about Relay For Life is encouraged to attend.

For more information about the Relay For Life of MidCoast Maine, to find out how to volunteer, or to RSVP for the Relay Kick-off, please contact Melissa Cushman at 373-3723 or Melissa.cushman@cancer.org. More information can also be found at relayforlife.org/midcoastme.