While some people are still trying to wrap their minds around the fact that it’s a new year, Tobie Meyer has wrapped her heart around April 30, the kickoff for Oakley’s third annual Relay For Life.

The American Cancer Society fundraiser is months away, but Meyer is revved up and ready to get the Oakley community involved in this year’s event. The Oakley Relay January Rally kickoff event is scheduled for Friday the 21st at 6:30 p.m. at Vintage Parkway Elementary, 1000 Vintage Parkway. Meyer, who serves as event co-chair with Joe Ballard and Cathleen Knight, wants everyone to be there.

This year the Relay planning committee hopes to raise $85,000 (surpassing last year’s total of $72,000) and register 55 teams comprising a total of at least 385 participants.

Meyer also hopes that 125 survivors will join the celebration, in which teams walk around a track for 24 hours as part of a community statement that acknowledges that cancer doesn’t sleep, and until a cure is found, communities around the country must do what they can to fight back.

“Relay is a life-changing experience,” Meyer said. “It’s one of the best fundraisers you could possibly get involved with in the community. When you’re there, you see where your money is going. You get to meet cancer survivors and those who are still fighting. It’s an inspiring event. Anything that seems impossible suddenly feels possible when you see the way the community comes together to support this cause.”

At the January Rally, registered and interested participants will get a chance to take part in a mock relay – a condensed version of the April event to give newcomers an idea of how the Relay works. Tents will be set up to give attendees a preview of the camp area provided for team members resting and recharging while fellow team members walk the track.

So far, 15 teams have registered for the Oakley Relay. As of press time, the 76 participants have raised $1,125, but the planning committee would like to see even more involvement.

Meyer stressed that Relay For Life is for people of all ages. Even children may participate in Relay. “Children are touched by cancer too,” Meyer said. “They may know a family member who battled or died from cancer, and these kids can get involved and make a difference by helping raise money for the American Cancer Society. Plus, Relay is such a community-oriented event, and if they participate in an event like this, it may get them interested in doing more community service as they grow up.”

Oakley’s Relay For Life is scheduled from April 30 to May 1 at Freedom High School. For more information about the January Rally, e-mail Meyer at kenneth7180@sbcglobal.net.