NORWICH – And they lived happily ever after ... cancer free. That’s the theme as the 16th annual Relay For Life gets underway this afternoon at the Chenango County Fairgrounds, with more than 600 participants representing 40 teams expected to attend the emotional event.

The goal – as always – said event chair Marie DeSarro, is to raise both money and awareness in the fight against cancer; to remember those who’ve lost their battle with the terrible disease; and to celebrate those who’ve survived.

“Everyone knows somebody that has fought a battle or, sadly, lost their battle with cancer ... everyone has been touched by it,” she added. “I’ve lost family members to this terrible disease and I remember feeling so helpless as I watched them get more and more sick. Whether you’ve personally battled the disease, given care to a loved one who was fighting or lost a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker, we all share in the same fight.”

Locally, Relay For Life has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 16 years – money DeSarro called vital in the fight against cancer. And once again this year, the Chenango Relay For Life committee is well on its way to reaching its goal of $155,000, having raised more than $110,000 to date. In 2011, the local Relay surpassed its goal for the year, raising approximately $155,000. And yet, Relay is about so much more than fundraising, said DeSarro.