WESTERN — Local cancer survivors and their caregivers will take the celebratory first lap at the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Central NY presented by Upstate Cancer Center at Delta Lake State Park on Saturday, Sept. 17.

However, local survivors are encouraged to register now to receive their free cancer survivor T-shirt by mail prior to the event.

Anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers are encouraged to join the celebration at Relay For Life. As the survivors walk, other participants will cheer them on in a demonstration of support and celebration. Each cancer survivor also receives a free commemorative T-shirt by mail, as well as other gift items the day of the relay.

“Relay For Life is all about celebrating local cancer survivors, remembering those we have lost to the disease and fighting back as a community,” said Robert Elinskas, senior development manager with the American Cancer Society Northeast Region. “We’d love to have as many cancer survivors attend as possible, so we can celebrate them and their courage and determination. Each one provides hope and encouragement to those currently battling, while providing inspiration to all of us who are working so hard to defeat this disease.”

The Relay For Life is a community event where teams and individuals come together to honor, celebrate and raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. Money raised will help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, the Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Uniting communities across the globe, communities celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. During Relay For Life events, members of each team take turns walking or running around the track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.

“Cancer survivors are the celebrities and VIPs of every Relay For Life event. Their courage and determination in facing this disease gives inspiration to everyone and provides a powerful example that more people than ever before are surviving cancer,” Elinskas said. “That’s only possible because of the advancements in research and education that events like Relay For Life make happen.”

Survivors and caregivers who would like to be part of the Relay For Life event, are urged to pre-register for free by visiting RelayForLife.org/CNY or simply call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 and tell them you want to walk the survivor lap at your local event. Your T-shirt will then be mailed to you after you register. There is no charge to the survivor for the shirt or the postage.