With the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay for Life approaching, it is soon time for members of the community to begin registering teams.

On June 27, teams can formally register for the relay at the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

The Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society held each year during which people walk around a track typically for about 12 hours all in the name of collecting money to fight cancer.

The Relay will be on Aug. 12 at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds, with all funds raised through the event going to support families who are affected by cancer. Relay teams can comprise as few as two people or as many as 15.

“It is not too late to get your team finalized before registration,” Nikki Schumaker, one of the event organizers, said.

During registration it is important that the registrants have the appropriate registration form with their team roster, shirt sizes and their money. The money due at the time of registration is $10. It will go toward covering the costs of the 2011 Relay for Life T-shirts and will be applied toward the team total of money raised.

The Relay organizers will help with the selection of campsites at the time of registration. There will not be pre-registration for any team, so that fairness and equality can be ensured upon the selection of campsites.

“Teams that raise the most money will be recognized with a premium campsite,” Jenny Habana said. “There is also team recognition for teams that raise a large sum of money.”

Any team that raises $2,500 will receive a bronze yard sign to display at their camp. If any team raises over $100,000 they will receive the highest level yard sign to display. That sign is purple.

In order to establish a team you must obtain a captain’s packet that includes individual team member packets and registration information. If you are interested in establishing a team you can contact Habana at 507-383-4582. Teams can still be formed after the June 27 deadline. However, those teams run the risk of not receiving a T-shirt.

Members of the team can turn their fundraising efforts into the organization as they receive the money or it can be turned in at the fundraising bank night. The bank night will be on Aug. 8 at the Fairlane Building.

Along with registration Schumaker said, “We are trying to get a silent auction going and finalize sponsorship dollars.”

At this time some of the sponsors include Minnesota Corrugated Box, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Innovance.

Local schools in Albert Lea and Glenville have already raised more than $1,000 toward the cause. The largest amount came from Sibley Elementary School, which donated $389.

Like many others, Schumaker has had a personal connection with fighting the deadly disease. Her husband, Todd, is a cancer survivor and is an honorary co-chairman for the Relay.

In November 2003, Todd was diagnosed with medulloblastoma. He had a cancer that began as a brain tumor that spread to his bones.

“You have to have faith and be strong. We were given a grim diagnosis,” Schumaker said. “He’s still here with me today; anyone can get through it.”

People can contact Suzanne Dickson at 507-383-7042 if they wish to donate to the silent auction.