“Carnival of Hope” is the theme of the Tyler County Relay for Life main event which is scheduled to be held throughout the night on June 1 in Sistersville.

The local organization will be holding an “open house” to kick off the year long fundraising event on Jan. 21 with the public encouraged to attend. A carnival atmosphere will be the theme of the day with pizza, popcorn, and games along with information available on the Tyler County Relay as well as the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. Relay is the main cancer volunteer-driven fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. The objective of the Relay is to raise money for cancer research and cancer patients. This event is held annually to spread cancer awareness, celebrate the lives of survivors, remember those who have lost their lives to cancer and to unite communities in the fight against cancer.

Betty McCoy will be the chairman of this years event at the Tyler County Relay for Life, with Patty Henthorn serving as her co-chair.

Relay teams are now actively being sought to participate in the fundraising this year. These teams, usually from 5-18 individuals, are made up of people from all walks of life, all ages, and all lifestyles.

Teams can be made up of family members, business associates, co- workers, friends, scout troops, clubs and organizations . . . high school sports groups or clubs, church groups, sewing circles, coffee clubs . . . any group of people willing to help fight cancer by participating in this worthy cause.

To form or join a team, contact McCoy at 304-889-2462 or Henthorn at 304-771-0771.

Each team attends their local all night Relay event of the year, which is held at a local park, track, or trail. Individuals walk or run around a track or path throughout the night, to remind one and all, that cancer never sleeps.

Groups or individuals are not required to walk a certain distance or amount of laps, they are merely asked to participate in the event.

Teams can also set up tables in small areas at the main event to raise extra funds for the Relay. A few activities still in the planning stages for this year’s “main event” in Tyler County include: Mr. Relay contest, “Road to Recovery” car race, carnival games and more.

Thanks in part to these generous contributions to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Society is helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures and fighting back.

The Relay For Life main event creates a sense of bringing people together for a common cause, in a moving and fun atmosphere.

Each Relay begins with a survivors lap, in which survivors are invited to walk the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories that have been achieved over cancer.

When darkness falls at the main event, a luminaria ceremony is always held at Relay’s. Those people who have been touched by cancer are honored and loved ones lost to the disease are remembered. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer. Participants often walk a lap of the track or trail in silence.

Finally, there is a “fight back” ceremony, where personal commitments to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer are made.

Scattered throughout the event, fun and informative activities are planned to keep Relay goers up, walking and participating for this worthwhile cause.

The Tyler County Relay For Life of Tyler County will kick off the 2012 campaign in January but teams and team members are needed now to continue the important battle against cancer.

The community is encouraged to participate in this years many fundraising events and activities.

Those interested in participating, donating or forming or joining a team are asked to contact McCoy or Henthorn for more information.

Information can also be gained by visiting the groups website at: www.relayforlife.org /tylerwv or their Facebook page, Relay for Life of Tyler County 2012.