More Than $22K Raised for Cancer Research in Hackettstown This Year

Hackettstown is coming together to fight cancer this week by raising thousands of dollars to fund research and running for the cause in the Relay for Life of Greater Hackettstown annual event.

Already, 30 teams made up of 191 participants from the Hackettstown area have signed up to contribute and attend Friday's overnight relay run/walk. A total of $22,108.72 had been raised by Tuesday, according to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Greater Hackettstown web page.

The event will kick off Friday at 4 p.m. at the Field of Dreams at 21 Cemetery Road in Greater Meadows.

Organizers of the local event have already been abuzz spreading awareness about Relay for Life and how residents can get involved. Earlier this month, large purple bows were tied to Main Street lamp posts, a sign that Relay was coming to town. The bows are also symbolic of many milestones, for the American Cancer Society and for Hackettstown.

This year, the American Cancer Society celebrates its 100th anniversary while Hackettstown celebrates its 160th "birthday." The Hackettstown Free Public Library and Women's Club are also celebrating 100 years this year.

There is still time for local residents to sign up to participate on a team or volunteer. For more information, call 1-800-227-2345, email jennifer.romer@cancer.org or visit the Hackettstown Relay for Life page.