FARMINGTON – American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life raised more than $45,000 in Franklin County.

Festivities were kicked off at 6 a.m. May 31 at Mt. Blue High School and approximately 35 cancer survivors walked the first lap of the relay called the Survivors Lap at 9. After a brief opening ceremony, one member from each of the 20 teams began walking relay style for the 18-hour period. Later in the evening about 673 lighted luminaria lined the track in honor or in memory of those affected by cancer.

“We appreciate all the support we received from each of the teams as well as our event sponsors and underwriters,” said Linda Neuschwanger, chairwoman of the event. “We are especially grateful to the many volunteers and their families for all of their hard work to make this even happen. Kudos go to the team, ‘Friends and Family Ties,’ for raising the most money, turning in over $8,000 to support the American Cancer Society.”

Funds raised from the Relay For Life event will support the American Cancer Society’s programs of cancer research, education and services to local cancer patients in Maine. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour hot line at 800-ACS-2345 or visit the Web site: www.cancer.org.