The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Effingham County committee is holding a Kick-Off party on Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. at Rincon United Methodist Church (107 Savannah Ave). The kickoff will share with the Effingham community the importance of Relay For Life in saving lives from cancer. Come join the committee for a free pancake breakfast to learn more about the 2009 event. All past participants, survivors, caregivers and those with a passion to find a cure are invited to attend.

Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. It is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones, commit to fight back through healthy lifestyle changes and raise money for the fight against cancer. The Relay For Life of Effingham County will be held on April 3-4 at Effingham County High School and the theme is “Relay in Your Pjs, because Cancer Doesn’t Sleep.” The Effingham County Relay For Life is trying to set a world record for the largest pajama party.”

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser,” said Victoria Ten Broeck, community manager for the American Cancer Society. “Individuals who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event, as a volunteer or participant, have made a commitment to fight back against this disease and let the community know that you can beat cancer.”

Relay For Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools and communities. To learn more about Relay For Life, visit www.RelayForLife.org/effinghamga.

For information or to RSVP on the Jan. 24 event, or if you would like to volunteer on the Relay For Life committee, contact Ten Broeck at (912) 355-5196.