The Fourth Annual DeWitt County Relay for Life will be held from 6 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. tomorrow June 9 at on Clinton High School track.

According to Relay for Life volunteer Clarene Arnold, last year they were able to raise $60,000 for the cause, and so far this year, over 12 teams have signed up with a 150 participants. Arnold says the event has gotten a lot of local business support.

[audio:6812Relay1.mp3] [/audio]

This year's theme for the event is superheros, and the schedule has a superhero themed lap, where everyone walking will be dressed as their favorite superhero. The event will also include a caregiver's garden and beads will be given to survivors.

[audio:6812Relay2.mp3] [/audio]

Relay for Life is a cancer awareness organization that holds relays across the United States to help raise money for cancer research. Arnold emphasises the organization is more credibile than other ones out there.

[audio:6812Relay3.mp3] [/audio]

Arnold says each member of a Relay for Life team is encouraged to raise $100 for the event. She says members have raised money by doing chores, selling flowers and having cookouts in the community. Relay for Life will also accept canned foods this year to help hold down some of the lumanaries. All the cans will be donated to Dove after the event.

Relay for Life was started in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Wash. when he wanted to see his local American Cancer Society receive more to money so they could help his patients who were battling cancer. He personally raised money in his community and walked for 24 hours straight. Since then, it has spread across the United States, and teams  tag in and out to walk for a 12 hour relay.

For more information on DeWitt County Relay for Life, visit relayforlife.org/dewittil or call Arnold at 217-935-8517.