FOLEY — Teams for the American Cancer Society’s 18th Annual Relay for Life for South Baldwin held their Kick-Off Party this week in preparation for the April 13, 2012 event. The Sept. 1 Kick-Off Party for teams participating in April was held at the Foley Gazebo in Heritage Park, with a team captains’ meeting preceding.

Next April 13, the participating teams will be “Camping for a Cure,” the 2012 theme for this signature ACS event. Teams will be camping all night and using “camping” themes such as hunting camp, band camp, boot camp, sports camp and so on.

Fun, yes, but Allison Faircloth, executive director of the American Cancer Society’s South Alabama Market (Baldwin and Mobile counties) notes that, since 2002, the South Baldwin Relay has brought in over $812,000 for the ACS.

“The great thing about the event is that it touches so many people — the survivors, caregivers — and raises general awareness about early detection of this disease. That’s the key,” she said.

Faircloth noted the economy hasn’t always been a help where South Baldwin Relay is concerned. Indeed, over the past 10 years, 2002 was the best year for the event with $98,440 raised. Yet, that’s all the more reason to pledge to and support an event that reaches far and wide and as close as your nextdoor neighbor, according to Faircloth. If needed, the ACS helps those stricken with cancer with transportation needs related to treatment and support groups.

Registration for the began yesterday at: www.relayforlife.org/southbaldwin.