AUBURN — The 2012 annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Androscoggin County raised approximately $85,000 to support the society’s mission of saving lives from cancer. More than 325 volunteers walked for more than 14 hours at Edward Little High School Athletic Field.

“Through their hard work in preparing for the event, and by spending hours walking for the cause, area residents certainly did their part to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays,” said Belinda Samson, volunteer chair for the 2012 Relay For Life.

The top individual fundraiser was Tina Pilot who collected $9,153 in donations. The top fundraising team was Hope’s Angels, led by Tina Pilot and Suzanne Lussier, which raised more than $13,000.

More than 300 people, represented by 34 teams, participated in this year’s event.

Two hundred survivors and caregivers walked the opening Survivors Lap, officially kicking off this year’s event.

“More than 8,900 people in Maine will face a cancer diagnosis this year,” said Samson. “And, it’s critical that we come together during Relay to help the American Cancer Society achieve its mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.”

Next year’s Relay For Life of Androscoggin County is scheduled for June 21-22 at Edward Little High School. To get involved with or make a donation to Relay For Life at any time, visit RelayForLife.org or call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.