With the New Year comes a renewed emphasis on getting ready for the American Cancer Society’s 2019 Relay For Life of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and Waterford.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 27 on the campus of Oakdale High School, 739 W. G St., Oakdale, the Relay will run from 9 a.m. to midnight. Team Captain meetings are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, Jan. 9.

There is still plenty of time to sign up for an existing team or create your own; all interested are encouraged to attend the next meeting, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Oak Conference Rooms, 1425 W. H St., Oakdale, adjacent to Oak Valley Hospital.

Previously a 24-hour event, this year’s edition will be scaled back, starting with Opening Ceremonies at 9 a.m. on April 27 and wrapping up at midnight, requiring no overnight stay by teams. Future team meetings are set for Wednesdays, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10 and a final one on April 24 prior to the April 27 event. Cancer survivors and caregivers are especially invited to attend and take part in all the activities of the day.

Staff partner this year is Benazir Ali; she can be reached at 209-524-7241 for more information about Relay For Life and how you can get involved. All funds raised benefit the American Cancer Society in its fight against cancer, including research, advocacy and patient services.