NORWICH – Relay for Life of Chenango County held its annual kick-off event at the Morrisville State College Norwich campus on Tuesday, putting in motion another year hopeful of creating a world without cancer.

With the steadfast mission to raise money for cancer research, Chenango County’s Relay team has something new to celebrate this year. The team was recently lauded by the Relay for Life organization for its outstanding fundraising efforts that brought in more than $123,000 last year alone.

Under the auspices of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life is a global advocate of cancer research. Started by a small group 30 years ago as a way to raise funds for cancer research while honoring those who fight the disease, Relay for Life events today take place in more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries. Each Relay event is special to its community, but the organization says every event’s true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters that help.

This year, Chenango’s Relay team starts their fundraising efforts knowing they’re one of the most successful Relay teams in New York State. The team was eighth in the upstate New York region for fundraising efforts last year.