For many, Relay for Life is an opportunity to fight cancer and raise money to support research for a cure.

The chairman of the American Cancer Society’s 2011 Relay for Life Dawson County also sees it as a way to connect with others and those affected by the disease.

“It’s not just about the money raised,” Jay Walker said. “It’s about the camaraderie of the people. They can share their stories and find strength in each other.”

Dozens gathered for the annual fundraising kickoff Jan. 27 at Dawson County High School, which will play host to the relay on May 20.

Organizers talked about last year’s numbers, discussed plans for 2011 and honored cancer survivors and Relay participants.

As this year’s chairman, Walker said he is “pushing for more corporate sponsorships.”

“It doesn’t take a whole lot to become a corporate sponsor,” he said.

Suzanne Hendricks, Relay for Life community manager, said the American Cancer Society “continues to make great progress against cancer thanks in part to the fundraising power” of its relays.

Fundraising chair Tasha Hamil said she was “excited to see what Dawson County can do this year in the fight against cancer.”

Upcoming projects include “Paint the Town Purple,” an April 16 event for relay teams to step up fundraising efforts.

Walker announced stats from the 2010 relay, which included 22 teams and 133 cancer survivors.

The organization raised $52,136, a figure Walker said he hopes to top this year.