NORWAY — Eleven teams are signed up so for the 2012 Relay For Life of Oxford Hills, it was announced after a kick-off meeting Tuesday night at the town office.

Heather Bossie, one of the organizers, said the turnout was “great” and she and other organizers hope many more teams will register for the May 19-20 event at the Gouin Athletic Field in Paris.

Cancer survivors, caregivers, families, schools, companies, and faith-based and civic organizations attended the rally. It began with a mini luminary ceremony in which everyone decorated a bag in memory or honor of a loved one or friend. Once the bags are designed a glow stick is put inside for light.

Following the ceremony, Bossie said the top three teams from the 2011 event were recognized and a short video on caregivers was presented by Mac Watts from the American Cancer Society.

“The video was very touching and moving,” Bossie said.

Following the video, Oxford County Relay Chairwoman Melissa Hilligoss spoke about the importance of Relay for Life, its mission and about her experience with the program.

This year’s theme is TV game shows.

“Each team will pick a TV game show and decorate their campsite, do games and/or activities related to their game show,” Bossie said.

This is the ninth year for Relay for Life in Oxford County. Last year, teams raised more than $30,000. There were 160 participants.

According to information from the Relay For Life of Oxford Hills, the nationwide movement began in 1985, when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, took the first step of his 24-hour walk around a track in Tacoma, Wash. He raised $27,000 to support the American Cancer Society.

For more information about the Relay For Life of Oxford Hills, contact Melissa Hilligoss at 207-890-9868, melhilligos@gmail.com, or Heather Bossie at 207-890-1738, herseymt@yahoo.com. More information can also be found at relayforlife.org.

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