Relay for Life fundraiser held

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Every year, hundreds of people take a small step in the fight to beat cancer.

The weather isn't good enough for a walk right now.

But that didn't stop Hampshire County Relay for Life organizers from holding their yearly kick-off event.

It was a crowded hall at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parrish in Northampton.

Organizers, sponsors, team members and cancer survivors gathered for a Pancake Breakfast and to begin fundraising for this year's Relay for Life.

“All the teams are here for the same reason, to kick cancer. Usually because they know somebody that has had cancer or passed away from cancer and so they just keep coming back,” Lynn Elliott told 22News.

Scott Markham knows what it's like to hear the words, "you have cancer." He was diagnosed when his wife was 8 months pregnant.

He's cancer free now, and told 22News he never gave up hope.

Scott Markham said, “They helped Becky and I schedule my treatment around her delivery so I was able to be there when the baby was born. That was special. We really liked that.”

Last year's Relay for Life raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for the American Cancer Society.

This year's Hampshire County Relay for Life steps off on June 14th at 3PM at Look Park in Florence.