Relay For Life kickoff in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Volunteers got together in Springfield on Saturday to organize this summer's Relay For Life Walk.

The event is expected to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research.

This year's event will be held at Springfield College.

Saturday's volunteers formulated relay teams and generated enthusiasm.

Cancer survivor Kathy Smith told 22News, "There's evidence that people are out there supporting the effort to raise money for cancer research and cancer survivors, and it just brings it home.
There's a lot of support out there. Cancer survivors play a vital role in these relay for life events."

Cancer survivor Diane Hartmann also told 22News that its vital to experience support in a time of tragedy.

"As a three time survivor I am lucky to be here first of all. My family has always had many family members with cancer. Its important to get that kind of support."

22News reporter Sy Becker served as MC for this year's Springfield Relay For Life Kickoff event at Springfield College.

Holyoke, Northampton and Belchertown are among the other Western Massachusetts communities holding their own relays this summer.

This year will mark the 16th annual Relay For Life for Springfield.