Niles event continues to raise money for American Cancer Society

In an effort to attract more participants to this year’s Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life, organizers have changed the format from a 24-hour event to a 14-hour event.

In the past, participants would walk around the track in teams for 24 hours to raise funds for cancer research.

This year the event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at midnight Saturday, July 18 at Niles High School.

“By shortening the amount of time, we are hoping that it will increase the amount of people willing to participate,” said Chris Porter, a member of the event’s leadership team.

Everything will remain the same, Porter said, except the duration of the event. That means people will still get to participate in their favorite activities, like the luminaria ceremony, survivor’s walk and more.

Although the Relay for Life is still six months away, Porter and other event leaders are in the process of securing sponsors and getting people registered in order to meet the fundraising goal of $80,000.

Fundraising has increased steadily over the past couple years, but still has not reached levels seen prior to the recession.

“No amount is too small because every dollar helps,” Porter said.

People can participate in several ways, including by creating a relay team or joining a relay team at the website relayforlife.org. People can also donate money to teams, which will spend the next six months raising funds.

“If you can’t give time or money, if nothing else just come and participate in the event,” Porter said. “It is hard to find someone who hasn’t had their life touched by cancer, whether it is a loved one, family or friend. I encourage everyone to come to relay and see what positive impact it has on peoples’ lives.”

Those wanting to help organize the event can attend monthly planning meetings. They take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Niles Fraternal Order of Police lodge.