An extra week of anticipation will build as the annual Relay for Life of Charlotte kick off event was postponed a week due to inclement weather. The event, Relay Walk of Fame, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at AL!VE.

The kick off serves to inspire and energize the committee, team captains and participants as they embark on a season of fundraising leading up to the June 20 and 21 event. The committee has set a goal of topping last year’s fundraising efforts of $63,000 by setting the bar high — $80,000.

The annual Hooping For A Cure event got the Relay season off to a strong start, raising more than $6,000 for the Charlotte High School Relay for Life team. Several more teams have planned fundraising efforts already and The County Journal will help spread the word about upcoming events as much as possible. Too many of us in this community have had our lives turned upside down because of cancer.

For those who have never participated in Relay for Life, the kick off is a great introduction. There you will hear stories from individuals who have been affected by cancer and why they choose to put their efforts into Relay for Life each year.

It’s inspiring to hear stories of survivors, caregivers and those still battling cancer. Relay for Life provide a real feeling of camaraderie as everyone comes together for a united purpose.

For more information about the Relay Walk of Fame, to become a sponsor, or to find out how to sign up your relay team, contact event co-chair Laura Cooper at Laura57chevy@yahoo.com. Find the Relay Walk of Fame Online at www.tinyurl.com/charlotterfl, Facebook search Charlotte Relay for Life, Instagram, FlickR, or Twitter at CharlotteRFL.