Relay for Life struggling to raise money in county

Lackluster participation has annual American Cancer Society fundraiser on the ropes

Six years later, Robinson today is a two-time cancer survivor living in Greenbelt. She also is the chairwoman for the Prince George’s County Relay for Life, a 24-hour annual event that brings people together to celebrate survivors and remember those lost to cancer.

Statewide, teams of people gather at schools, parks or other locations to take turns walking or running laps. The event educates the public about cancer awareness and teams secure sponsors to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

‘‘The idea is to have someone on the track all night, so everyone doesn’t have to walk or run at the same time,” said Robinson.

She, along with other volunteers and survivors, fears this could be the last year the ACS sponsors the event in the county because of a lack of fundraising.

The goal of the ACS is for teams to collectively raise at least $30,000. Last year, the Prince George’s County Relay for Life had a goal of $25,000 and raised nearly $19,000.

To date, there are 164 registered participants on 22 relay teams gearing up for the June 21 event at Prince George’s Community College in Largo. So far, $3,700 has been raised.

‘‘This year we are ahead of the game. We’ve really made great strides from last year,” said Robinson, adding that only 15 teams registered for last year’s event.

A spokesman from the ACS said there are no plans to cancel any of the Relay for Life events because of a lack of fundraising.

‘‘The American Cancer Society will help build a Relay for Life in any community that desires one. It’s really up to the community if events continue on an annual basis, not ACS,” said Craig Fritz, regional director with ACS.

Robinson said she just wants the community to know that the Relay for Life is an important cause.

‘‘In Prince George’s County, so many women are being diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 1,200 people every year died from cancer between 2000 and 2004 in Prince George’s County. The American Cancer Society projects more than 560,000 cancer deaths nationwide this year.

Robinson is urging existing teams to get new teams recruited and begin fundraising events.

One team is sponsoring a Relay for Life registration event from 9:30 a.m. until noon Saturday. The event, held in conjunction with Metro’s Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689’s second annual education seminar, will be held at the group’s hall at 2701 Whitney Place in Forestville.

Speakers will discuss health and welfare, investment strategies and more. A barbecue lunch will be served.

Other Relay for Life events will be held throughout the state.

The University of Maryland will host an event from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. May 3 and May 4 at Ludwig Soccer Field. Relay for Life of Laurel will host an event from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. June 14 and June 15.

Robinson said she anticipates more people will register for the Prince George’s County Relay for Life and want to participate in the June event. Participants can register the day of the relay. The cost is $10.

‘‘This year is going to be a little different. It’s going to be carnival style. The idea is to have someone on the track all night and there will be plenty of entertainment,” she said.

The best part of the night, she says, happens after dusk. Participants light candles and line them around the track to remember those who have lost their lives to cancer.

For more information on the Prince George’s County Relay for Life of to donate, log onto www.largorelay.org.