FARMINGTON — For those toying with the idea of forming a team to participate in the Relay for Life, now’s the time to do it.

“It’s very exciting to see new faces joining the fight against cancer by forming teams in the Relay,” Dee LaPlant, chairwoman of the Relay for Life of Franklin County, said. “It’s a fun event that really makes a difference.”

The Relay for Life of Franklin County is set for 6 p.m. Friday, May 30, through 6 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

“It is an overnight event to symbolize the fact that cancer never sleeps,” she said.

A team can be one or two people or as many as 12, LaPlant said. Teams can be any individuals who want to help the cause.

“We frequently see families create a team to mark the life or lives of family members who have or have had cancer. It’s very inspiring,” she said.

But what makes the Relay different is that it is fun. Teams take turns hosting events or contests throughout the event.

“At last year’s Relay, one team hosted a garbage bag fashion show. All the teams who were there after midnight put together what they could with what they had at their campsite and paraded around the track. People were very creative. It was hysterical,” LaPlant said.

This year, the theme is Getting Medieval on Cancer and participants will likely find unique ways to incorporate that into their campsites, she said.

Forming a team is easy. Go to relayforlife.org/franklinme and click “Sign Up.”

“The Web page will walk you through the sign-up process,” LaPlant said.

People may also sign up by emailing [email protected], or calling Mac Watts of the American Cancer Society at 373-3704. 

The local event also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RelayFranklin, where people can keep up with announcements and meeting schedules, share fundraising events and ask questions.

Those who have beat cancer or are in treatment are invited to join the event for the Survivor Lap and reception. To get an idea of how many people to expect, people are asked to contact Sharon Huff at 645-4509 or email [email protected] to register or to get information.

The Relay is the major volunteer-driven fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. It has raised billions of dollars since its founding in 1985.

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