The American Cancer Society and its volunteers will be holding a kickoff today, Nov. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Rooster Hall in downtown Demopolis for the Relay for Life of Marengo County. Join us for this year’s kickoff to get a sneak peek of the Relay experience, mingle with new and old friends and enjoy food and door prizes.

Relay for Life is a community event, and everyone is encouraged to participate. Relay for Life is an overnight event where teams of people walk along a track or circular area to support the fight against cancer. Teams of 10 to 15 people form teams from businesses, clubs, families, friends, hospitals, churches, schools and service organizations. These people share a common purpose: their support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. Survivors are honored, and those lost to the disease are remembered.

The money raised by the teams goes to the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education, advocacy and support programs.

The theme for this year’s Relay for Life is “Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back.” The goal for this year’s Relay for Life is $85,845 and 21 teams.

The mission of the American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.