by Andre Clayton

Reporter

Twinsburg -- The city will have the opportunity to "fight" cancer at Twinsburg Tiger Stadium from May 30 at 6 p.m. to May 31 at noon.

The Twinsburg/Macedonia Relay For Life will return to Twinsburg for its eighth year, and Chairperson Kimberly Santacesaria said 350 people and 24 fundraising teams will be on hand to continue the fight against the deadly disease.

"You don't have better teams than relayers ... they do a wonderful job," Santacesaria said.

Santacesaria, 43, said she got involved with the organization after she lost her 38-year-old sister to breast cancer.

Most people join the organization "to do something to fight the disease," Santacesaria said.

Ten new teams have joined the organization for 2008.

"That is the highest number of new teams we've ever had in one year," Santacesaria said.

One of the most important focuses for the 2008 event is to develop these new teams, Santacesaria said.

This year, the Relay For Life committee has come up with fundraising ideas and set them up for the teams to join.

According to Santacesaria, the local Relay chapter will feature a closing ceremony called "Fight Back," which will help inform participants about the fundraising events they can join during the summer.

Organizing special concession stands at Cleveland Indians games and half-time programs at Twinsburg High School sporting events are some of those summer fundraisers, Santacesaria said.

"This relieves a lot of pressure on the teams," Santacesaria said, adding that, like in the past, the teams can still come up with their own fundraising ideas, such as spaghetti dinners, golf outings and pancake breakfasts.

After the opening ceremony there will be a cancer survivor recognition ceremony, which includes a dinner and a lap around Tiger Stadium's track, according to Santacesaria.

"We are honoring cancer survivors and remembering those who lost the battle to cancer, since they are the reason why our organization exists," Santacesaria said.

"We encourage the community to come and enjoy the event," Joanne Schaus, entertainment and activities co-chairperson, said, noting admission is free.

According to Schaus and entertainment and activities co-chairperson Joan Fillous, those attending the Relay event this year can expect some of the same popular events as well, including live bands "Zach Music" and "Not By Chance."

The organization raised $122,000 last year for the American Cancer Society, and hopes to raise $144,000 this year, according to Santacesaria.

"We have raised $24,000 so far through [teams'] fundraising activities, such as candy bar sales and sponsorships," she added.

Cancer survivors and those who want to volunteer for the event can register online at www.events.cancer.org/rfltwinsburgoh, Santacesaria said.

E-mail: aclayton@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3172