The kickoff for the 2013 American Cancer Society Relay for Life is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 8 at Dawson County High School.

"The kickoff is our first event of the year," said Tasha Hamil, event chairwoman. "It's mainly to help get the teams and donors excited for the upcoming year."

The kickoff will include recognition awards for last year's relay teams, as well as special guest speakers including two youth caregivers and state Rep.-elect Kevin Tanner.

The theme for this year's relay, which will be April 26, is "Tooning out Cancer."

"The themes for the year are decided by survey," Hamil said. "The whole community helps decide."

Relay teams are encouraged to dress as their favorite cartoon characters for the kickoff.

In 2012, 30 Dawson County relay teams raised more than $83,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, the organizing committee has a goal of 35 teams, according to Hamil.

The money the teams raise will be used to fund research, patient programs, services and education efforts.

Also of note, the committee has decided that this year's relay will not be held overnight. Instead, it will run from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. April 26, which is a Friday.