CHENANGO COUNTY – The 2007 Relay for Life was held Friday and Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. After 16 hours of walking, and a lot of fun, the results were announced, and over $127,000 was raised for cancer research.

Each year Chenango County residents come out to support the American Cancer Society’s local Relay for Life. The relay is one of the main fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, an organization that is the largest, not-for-profit donor to cancer research. The money raised during the event is used to fund cancer research, patient and family programs, advocacy and health education.

Last year over $123,000 was raised. This year’s total of just over $127,000 topped last year’s amount, and Woods is hopeful that with some donations still trickling in, the $130,000 goal will be met by the cutoff date of Aug. 31.

Costumed figures and cardboard cut-outs decorated the fairground, as teams embraced this year’s cartoon character theme. Team members dressed up as Minnie and Mickey Mouse, the Flinstones and many others, giving the serious cause a light-hearted twist.

Opening ceremonies began at 6 p.m. Friday, as the Event Coordinator from the American Cancer Society Denise Woods introduced the committee members and sponsors that made the event possible. “I want to thank all the sponsors, team captains, participants and volunteer planning committee members for all their work and support,” Woods said.