NORWICH – Approximately 1,400 people came out over the weekend to support cancer research funding by participating in Chenango County’s 12th Annual Relay for Life. With donations still rolling in, the unofficial total is already at approximately $125,600.

The Relay for Life serves as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, the biggest single donor to cancer research. Money raised during the Relay for Life is used to support cancer research, patient and family programs, advocacy and health education, since many forms of cancer are avoidable with lifestyle changes.

Event co-chair Marie DeSarro said even though the fundraising total didn’t meet the goal of $140,000, she is pleased with the amount the event raised in Chenango County. “With the economy the way it is, $125,000 is really impressive in Chenango County,” DeSarro said. While the donations were not quite as high as last year, DeSarro said people showed their support in different ways. “We had 170 inches of hair donated to Locks of Love this year. Last year we only had 80 inches,” Desarro said.

Last year, Chenango’s Relay for Life brought in approximately $133,000, although only $127,000 was reported at the close of Relay events. Every year, donations for the event are accepted until the end of August, which often raises the total donations even after the event is complete. Last year’s total brought Chenango’s 11-year Relay total to over $1 million, which event coordinator Denise Woods explained is a major accomplishment for one fundraiser.