The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of St. Joseph will kick off its 2015 campaign Saturday to try and raise $32,000 for cancer research.

The fundraiser will run until the official relay scheduled for July 11th at the Civic Arena. The agency said funds raised will go towards the search to find a cure to cancer.

Trey Drowns is the event coordinator and said he started walking in the event seven years ago for his friend’s mom.

“At that time my best friend, her mom was fighting cancer. She actually passed away three years ago,” Drowns said. “I don’t think anybody can look around and look at their family or friends and not know someone who has cancer or who has been affected by cancer.”

Drowns said he kept walking after that and then something else happened.

“I meant a wonderful woman who’s now my wife and she’s had melanoma,” he said. “I walk for her.”

Drowns said his wife Katy has been cancer free for awhile but that he still walks for a cure.

“This is something we can all come together on for one cause just to try and find a cure to cancer,” he said.

The kickoff party will be held at the East Hills Library on Saturday Feb. 7th at 11 a.m.

The kickoff is a free event open to the public. (Click here for flyer)

Speakers will tell stories about the fight with cancer and give information about the American Cancer Society and what it does in the surrounding community as well as around the world.

Participants will also learn more about the Relay, how to participate, how to form a team and opportunities to become a sponsor.

For more information check out www.relayforlife.org or contract Trey at [email protected] or (816)-294-0390