American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Kankakee County kicks-off to help end cancer at its 29th annual event on March 18 at Bourbonnais Municipal Center.

Although the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Kankakee County, presented by Riverside Healthcare, is not until June 8, work is beginning now to build the celebration that will bring together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

To mark the beginning of the fundraising season, Relay For Life of Kankakee County will host its kick-off event on Monday, March 18, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., at Bourbonnais Municipal Center in the Robert Latham Community Room. The kick-off will feature guest speakers, light refreshments, door prizes, ACS information, music, survivors’ activities, and much more. Guests also will have an opportunity to register a team for the Relay for Life of Kankakee County event, which will be held on June 8, from 2 – 10 p.m., at Bishop McNamara Catholic School. This year’s theme is Every Cancer. Every Life!

Relay for Life is a volunteer-led experience that unites communities across the world to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

“We share a passion to save and celebrate lives and work to end cancer as we know it – for everyone,” said Michelle Sadler, Relay For Life Event Chair. “In 2023, it was predicted that more than 1.9 million new cancer cases would be diagnosed in the United States and more than 600,000 Americans would die from cancer. Being there for anyone impacted by cancer is year-round work, and we’re excited to kick-off the Relay season for 2024.”

Since 1985, Relay for Life has raised $6.8 billion, allowing the American Cancer Society to invest $3.1 billion in cancer research, contributing to 3.5 million fewer cancer deaths. Dollars raised each year by more than 250,000 Relay participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways – providing education, advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.

“In Kankakee County, Relay participants come together because of a shared passion for ending cancer as we know it. No matter how cancer has impacted your life and how you want to get involved, you have a team here, ready to welcome you,” said Michelle Sadler.

There are many ways to get involved.

  • Join: Join a Relay community to connect with survivors, caregivers, and others impacted by cancer in your local community. Visit RelayForLife.org/Kankakeeil to sign up for Relay and join your community in the fight against cancer.
  • Sponsor: Being involved provides your employees, customers, and communities the opportunity to help us save lives from cancer. A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available.
  • Donate: Your donation fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Visit RelayForLife.org/kankakeeil to donate to your own team today.

To learn more about Relay For Life, visit RelayForLife.org/kankakeeil or contact Michelle Pruitt at michelle.pruitt@cancer.org or Michelle Sadler at mlsbears@comcast.net.