SOUTH DEERFIELD — As Relay For Life of Franklin County gears up for another year of raising money for the American Cancer Society’s life-saving cancer research and programs, organizers are planning a kick-off event on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 10 a.m.

The kick-off event, to be held at the Polish American Club at 46 South Main St., “sort of signals the beginning of the fundraising season,” according to Relay For Life of Franklin County Co-Chair Sue Pennison. Still, Pennison noted some teams raise money year-round.

“We start out our event with a celebratory kick-off with our cancer survivors along with their caregivers,” Pennison said. “Then later we do a luminaria ceremony where we remember those who have lost their fight, and at the end we call all those who participate to share their experience and get more people to get screened early.”

Participants can also expect guest speaker and American Cancer Society staff partner Monique Suarez in addition to those fighting their own battles against cancer.

“We will have a survivor who has inoperable cancer and whose positive attitude is an absolute inspiration,” Pennison added.

The kick-off event is meant to get teams excited for the main Relay For Life in the summer, in which participants take turns walking around a track to show support for those who have been affected by cancer and raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year’s Relay For Life will start on Friday, June 14, at 5 p.m. and will continue through Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield.

“We foster an environment where we honor anyone who’s heard the words ‘you’ve got cancer,’” Pennison continued, “no matter where they are in their journey.”

Relay For Life has its roots back in 1985, when Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Nearly four decades later, Relay For Life events with the same model are held across the country.

A key component of these events are the team captains that act as a voice for Relay For Life. Pennison hopes the Franklin County event can recruit more captains this year.

“Our team captains are the backbone of the event,” she said. “They form teams and hold fundraisers. All participants are invited to all meetings, but we mostly get team captains that pass any info on to their teams.”

Last year’s Relay For Life of Franklin County raised $92,000 toward its $100,000 goal. With the same goal set for this year, organizers remain optimistic. Pennison said the theme in 2024 will be a play on Peter Pan, “Neverland — Do you believe?”

Heading into another season of Relay For Life, Pennison said she wants those who are affected by cancer to be aware that they’re not alone.

“It is important for people to know that the American Cancer Society is there 24/7 for everyone,” Pennison said. “We do these fundraising events so they can be for our community and anyone else who needs them.”

For more information about the American Cancer Society or the annual Relay For Life of Franklin County, visit cancer.org or relayforlife.org/franklincountyma.