Team registration for the 2009 Freeborn County Relay for Life officially kicked off last week. And so far, already 52 teams have indicated interest in being a part of the event.

Organizers with the Freeborn County Relay for Life Committee said Monday this number is higher than the teams that registered at this same time last year.

Sara Johnson, co-chairwoman of the relay, said there are already 10 new teams that have signed up to be a part of the event.

Last year, 60 teams participated in the relay, which was the highest number Freeborn County has ever had.

From now until Aug. 14 — the night of the event — teams will focus diligently on raising money. Funds raised will go toward the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer.

The events scheduled before the relay are:

June 9: Team meeting

June 27: Northbridge Mall team fundraising day

July 3: Third of July Parade. Organizers are still looking for teams who would like to walk in the parade.

July 9: Registration night

July 27: Survivor ice cream social

Aug. 10: Bank night

Though the Relay for Life promotes yearlong fundraising, a majority of the money collected comes in the three or four months before the event, Johnson said.

“We’re so excited about all the new teams,” she said. “If you want to join a team it’s never too late.”

She said cancer affects everyone, and the relay is a night where everyone can be in the same place at the same time to show their support in the fight against cancer.

“Whether you have cancer, a family member has cancer, a friend, co-worker, or friend of a friend — we are all affected,” she said. “Support is a crucial part of the healing process and the Relay for Life is one way that we can support each other in the fight against cancer.”

This will be the 25th year for the Freeborn County Relay for Life.

Last month, Mary Bartusek, the wife of the late Albert Lea Police Lt. Phil Bartusek, was named as honorary caregiver for the event. Marques Kenison was named as the honorary youth co-chairman, and Joey Honsey was named as the honorary adult co-chairwoman.

Bartusek, Kenison and Honsey will serve as spokespeople for the local relay and share their stories to impact others.