The Bartow County division for Relay for Life is scheduled to hold its event kickoff Saturday, March 12. As a part of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life assists in raising money for the foundation to find a cure and to present awareness about cancer, survivorship and the society for the community.

"The kickoff is designed to get teams organized and explain how to get a team together," said Gretchen Barkley, Senior Community Manager for the American Cancer Society. "We have a birthday theme this year to try to make it a little more fun for everyone and to relate to why we are here."

The program will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, 606 Cassville Rd., Cartersville, and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and include a covered dish dinner and a speaker who will share experiences with battling cancer.

Relay for Life will begin on Sept. 9 at Dellinger Park and will end the following day. "It's really important for people to be more familiar about Relay and understand it's not a race; you don't have to run," said Melanie Collier, co-chair for the event and a cancer survivor. "This affects so many people and there will probably never be a cure but there are advances in treatment."

The concept behind the event is to organize teams and work together to raise money for the society and to bring awareness to communities. Teams are 10 to 15 members and a $10 commitment fee is required from each team member for a Relay tee shirt and other registration expenses. Teams can be created from businesses, schools, hospitals, civic groups, churches, families and friends.

As an over-night event, teams are encouraged to set up campsites that can vary from tents to motor homes and campers. Activities are planned throughout the night and teams are encouraged to share meals within their individual team.

Anyone interested in participating or for more information may contact Gretchen Barkley at 770-429-0089, ext. 222, or at gretchen.barkley@cancer.org.