NORWICH – The 15th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Chenango will kick-off with the Survivor Dinner and Opening Ceremony – at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. respectively – tonight at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.

Thousands are expected to attend the overnight event, according to event chair Marie DeSarro, one that’s seen an ever-growing amount of support from cancer survivors, the families and friends of those who’ve been lost to the disease and the community as a whole.

As the American Cancer Society’s largest, nationwide fundraising movement, the local Relay For Life’s overall goal this year is $155,000. And while “we’re ahead of where we were last year at this point,” said DeSarro, “we still need a lot of support to hit our goal.”

DeSarro said she’s optimistic, however, that the community will pull through once again this year. Last year, Relay For Life of Chenango raised over $151,000 toward the fight against cancer.

“This community continues to step up, regardless of any increases to our event goal,” she added. “Chenango County has never let us down and we currently have 50 teams with over 650 participants.”

DeSarro said the reason the event continues to grow every year is simple – more and more people want to see a cure for cancer. With continued advancements in cancer research, people are becoming more aware, and they want to be part of that push, she added.