The American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life hosted a kickoff event Thursday in the Community Room at the American National Bank, 1985 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore.

Relay For Life is an overnight fundraiser where teams of people come together and walk around a track to raise money, celebrate life and remember those who have died from cancer. The kickoff event signifies the start of the planning and preparation process of the fundraising event.

According to ACS Relay For Life website, this is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight against the disease.

“It helps you realize cancer is out there and hope to find a cure for it,” said Cindy Lakatos, a survivor of breast cancer for a year and eight months.

The motto of ACS Relay for Life strives for is “Less cancer, More birthdays.” In keeping with this motto, several women at the event who have survived cancer were given individual cupcakes with a candle symbolizing a celebration of life and birthdays to come.

“I relay because its a fantastic feeling. Its empowering,” said Keri Nelson.

Those who attended expressed that being a part of the relay gives people the opportunity to take something discouraging and turn it to something positive.

“I relay in memory of someone,” said LeAnn Heide “Its therapeutic and makes you not forget.”

NIU will be hosting a Relay For Life kickoff at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 in the Holmes Student Center Diversions Lounge. For more information, contact Stephanie Edwards at (630) 879-9009 or visit http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/