Communities Invited To Walk In Farmington Valley Relay For Life

Farmington Valley Relay for Life

FARMINGTON, CT – The time is now to register for one of the area's largest fund-raisers in the fight against cancer — and one of the most enjoyable ones as well.
Relay for Life, the major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is registering teams for its 2023 event, the Farmington Valley Relay for Life.

Now in its 23rd year, the Relay continues to grow and welcome teams from Farmington, Avon, Canton, Burlington, Simsbury and West Hartford to join its May 20 event.

It will take place at 1690 New Britain Ave., Farmington, on May 20 from 11:30 a.m. until after sunset, when the event's signature luminaria ceremony will honor cancer victims and their families.

"The event gives everyone in the community a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease while walking the track with their teammates," reads an announcement from event organizers.

The Farmington Valley Relay for Life has been credited as one of the most successful events of its kind.

In 2019, it was recognized for the second year in a row as top earner securing fourth place out of over 3,000 Relays in the United States.

Over the past 22 years the event has raised an astonishing $5.5 million dollars for cancer research and patient programs.

Linda Kime, Tri-Chair for Relay for Life of Farmington Valley said “Relay has been a very successful grassroots community event held in Farmington and keeps growing. Our towns all come together to combine fundraising forces to have a big impact in an effort to eliminate cancer."

To further its mission and kick off this year’s Relay season, individuals and teams from schools, businesses, emergency services, civic groups, churches, and more are encouraged to register their group at www.relayforlife.org/farmingtonvalleyct.

“We have been very lucky to grow our Relay for Life success year-over-year in the Farmington Valley and West Hartford among our school communities,” said Dr. Harvey Dutil, team recruitment chair for Relay for Life.

“To build upon this success, we welcome our town residents to form teams in memory of an individual or to champion for someone fighting. We look forward to the community coming together to walk on May 20.”

For more information on the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life or to join the Farmington Valley Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org/farmingtonvalleyct or contact Relay Recruitment Chairman Dr. Harvey Dutil at dutilrelay@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook at @Relayforlifeoffarmingtonvalley and Instagram @farmingtonvall