Globe — Plans are well underway for the 21st annual Copper Valley Relay for Life, which this year will be held Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 at Harbison Field in Globe. Relay for Life raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Sixteen teams have already signed up for this year’s Relay, and event organizers report that they are ahead of last year’s fundraising pace. This year’s fundraising goal is $50,000.

The night of

The theme for this year’s Relay is “Superheroes,” and event co-chairman Matthew Storms says there are a variety of fun events planned for the night of the Relay. There will be competing Mr. Relay and Miss Relay events; women will dress up as Superman for Miss Relay and men will dress up as Wonder Woman for Mr. Relay. There will be a Lex Luthor Challenge (in honor of the smooth-headed Superman villain), in which participants will have their heads shaved and donate their hair to Locks of Love.

In addition, you can expect a Captain Underpants lap, and teams will build their own Batmobiles and race them around the Harbison track. Relay participants are encouraged to wear their finest superhero attire during the Relay.

Cancer Bash

The third annual Cancer Bash is tentatively scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 at Farley’s Pub in downtown Globe. The 2016 Bash raised more than $2,000. There will be silent auction items, as well as food donated by Copper Hen.

Last year, Farley’s Pub donated more than $500 to Relay for Life between beer sales and its sponsorship of the event.

“The Cancer Bash is always a great time, and it’s for a great cause,” said Bryan Seppala, who is the People lead for the Copper Valley Relay for Life.

Fundraising

Organizers hope to have at least 30 teams take part in this year’s Relay. Teams raise money in a variety of ways.

Washington Federal holds bake sales every Friday at its location in downtown Globe. The bank has a whopping 15 team members, and as of press time on Monday morning had raised $844. Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center (team name: CVRMC Health Avengers) is holding a penny war between departments.

George Grothusen and Marc Marin (team name: George and Marc) have pledged to stay moving all night and walk/run at least 40 miles.

Where does the money go?

Seppala readily admits that much of the money raised at the local Relay for Life does not stay in Globe-Miami. However, that money goes to research efforts being done at universities in Arizona.

“In my mind that is staying local,” Seppala said. “It benefits the people living here in Globe-Miami.”

Seppala also points out that the American Cancer Society offers special opportunities for cancer patients and their caregivers. The Hope Lodge, located near the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, offers free lodging. ACS also provides vouchers for hotel rooms for those receiving cancer treatments.

Locally, there is a free Wig Closet at CVRMC. Also, Seppala reports that the local Relay committee is hoping to bring back the Look Good, Feel Better program, which offers tips and ideas for makeup, hair care, etc. for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. The committee also would like to re-launch Road to Recovery, which would provide rides to cancer patients. However, volunteers are needed.

A Cancer Support Group is offered at CVRMC. Although the group is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society, it provides an important resource for local citizens.

To sign up for this year’s Copper Valley Relay for Life, or to find out more, please visit www.relayforlife.org.