Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes. With statistics like this, the fight against cancer should be something that is important to everyone.

A great way of joining in this fight is to get involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Medford-Somerville. It will be taking place June 8 , 2012 at Medford High School. The field is located at 489 Winthrop Street, in Medford. The usual location for this Relay For Life is Hormel Stadium, however, due to construction it is not available this year. Thankfully, Medford High School has graciously invited Relay For Life to take place on their newly renovated field.

Relay For Life takes place across the nation and raises funds and awareness for cancer research and support those affected by cancer. It is unique because it is an all-night event; it will begin at 6pm Friday night, and continue on until Saturday morning.

Last year, the Medford-Somerville Relay raised $78,000 towards the fights against cancer. This year, they are hoping to raise over $100,000.  Through a fundraiser featuring Las Vegas headliner Tony Pace, over $6500 has already been raised towards the 2012 Relay. The Tony Pace event was hosted by Linda Corrigan, Attorney Robert Abruzese, and the Relay Team Linda’s Warriors.

The Tony Pace fundraiser would also not have been possible without Pizzeria Regina of Station Landing in Medford, Bob’s Imported Food and Catering on Main Street in Medford, Hoff’s Bakery of Medford, and the Magnificent Muffin Shop on High Street in West Medford.

Malden Catholic High School also participated in a “Dress-Down” day where the students were given the opportunity to pay $5 in order to forego their uniforms for the day. Thanks to Malden Catholic High School, Mary Driscoll, and Chris Serino, this raised $900 toward the 2012 Relay For Life of Medford-Somerville.

To prepare for the upcoming Relay, the volunteers organizing this event will be holding a Relay Kickoff event on January 17  at 6:30 p.m.  at the Medford Elks, 19 Washington Street, in Medford.  This is an opportunity for people who are interested in getting involved with Relay For Life to learn more about this event.

This year, there will also be a Kickoff held in Somerville. It will take place January 26, at 6:30 p.m.  at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue in Somerville. People in Somerville should seriously consider volunteering. Volunteers are still needed in all capacities of planning the Relay For Life of Medford-Somerville this year.
The Relay For Life of Medford-Somerville’s planning committee would like to thank both the Arts at the Armory and the Medford Elks for graciously hosting our Kickoff events this year.

The theme this year for the Relay For Life of Medford-Somerville is “Dancing for a Cure!” The Kickoff and Team Captains Meetings will be centered around this theme and those who attend will be able to learn a fun dance to perform at Relay.

For more information about Relay For Life and the Medford-Somerville Kickoff(s), please contact Ashlee Iber at Ashlee.Iber@Cancer.org or at 781-314-2652.