WANTED: Walkers To Raise Money For Cancer At Farmington 'Relay'

Farmington Valley Relay for Life

FARMINGTON, CT — Teams are assembling and donations are being sought to fund the battle against cancer as part of a massive fundraising event in Farmington June 1-2.

The event is so successful, it is among the top 10 of its kind in the nation.

Relay for Life, the major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, is registering teams for the 2024 Farmington Valley Relay for Life, slated for Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2 at 1690 New Britain Ave., Farmington.

Now in its 24th year, the relay continues to grow and welcome teams from Farmington, Avon, Canton, Burlington, Simsbury, Newington, and West Hartford.

"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," wrote event organizers in a statement.

The Farmington Valley Relay for Life is considered one of the most successful events of its kind, organizers said.

In 2023, it ranked in the top 10 Relay For Life events in the country, coming in 9th place out of nearly 1,400 events.

That makes it an American Cancer Society Premiere Event, receiving national recognition.

In 2023, Farmington Valley surpassed $6 million raised since inception.

Linda Kime, tri-chairperson 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."

Individuals and teams from schools, businesses, emergency services, civic groups, churches, and more are encouraged to register at www.relayforlife.org/farmingtonvalleyct.

Local Businesses also can find myriad sponsorship opportunities.

“We have been very lucky to grow our Relay for Life success year-over-year in the Farmington Valley and West Hartford among our adult teams and school communities,” said Dr. Harvey Dutil, team recruitment chairman 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 June 1.”

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 Dutil at dutilrelay@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook at @Relayforlifeoffarmingtonvalley and Instagram @rfl.of.farmingtonvalleyct.

For more information on the 2024 Farmington Valley Relay for Life, click on this link.