Seventeen years ago, cancer claimed the life of Sara Creech and Mary Hase's mother. That's 17 birthdays the family hasn't been able to celebrate. The theme for this year's Warren County Relay for Life is "a world with less cancer is a world with more birthdays." Creech strongly believes that continued fundraising efforts will lead to a cure for cancer. "Mom would be very proud of all we've done," said Creech, who is co-chair with Hase. "Relay for Life is a big part of that. Warren County is doing huge things with the money. We hope we can celebrate more and more birthdays." A kickoff meeting was held last week to announce goals for this year's event and to begin preparations. Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 4, and concluded at 6 a.m. Saturday, June 5, at Black Hawk Middle School in Warrenton. Participants gather in tents and sleeping bag and take part in the largest fundraising walk in the nation around the school's track. A variety of activities are held throughout the evening and morning to bring awareness to the disease. According to local statistics, 182 Warren County cancer patients were provided with a program or service from the American Cancer Society in 2009. Of those, 66 had been diagnosed within six months. Though the local Relay for Life event did not meet its fundraising goal in 2009, participants and volunteers still managed to raise more money compared to recent years. In 2009, $70,090 was raised, just short of the $72,000 goal that will remain for 2010. "We're really excited about this year's event," Creech said. "We want more people to have more birthdays. We did so well last year - most relays were down - but ours wasn't. We were so happy about that." A goal to have 30 teams and 124 survivors participate also has been set. Last year, 23 teams and 112 survivors participated. In addition, organizers hope to raise $2,500 in luminarias and $1,500 in sponsorships. In 2009, the local event brought in $2,310 in luminarias and $750 in sponsorships. During last week's kickoff meeting, two teams - Gregory-Kemry and Put the SSHH on Cancer - were recognized for topping $10,000 raised. Organizers are encouraging participants to register this year at www.relayforlife.org/warrencomo. Businesses also can begin supporting this year's event by purchasing signs that will be placed along the walking track for $75. The Team Challenger program also was announced. Participants can have the choice to receive a fleece jacket or sleeping bag, both adorned with a Relay for Life logo if they can recruit a new team consisting of eight to 15 members. Organizers are currently seeking individuals to chair the various committees, such as activities and entertainment, luminarias and accounting. All monthly Relay for Life meetings will be held the second Monday of every month, with the next gathering March 8. All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and are held at First State Community Bank in Warrenton. For more information, contact Creech at 636-338-4181 or Hase at 636-932-4883 or Kate Soetaert at 314-286-8183 or e-mail kate.soetaert@cancer.org.