As we cozy up to the fireplace and carry umbrellas around town, it's hard to believe that Relay event season is just around the corner. March brings the first of more than 400 Relays this year in California.

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to find your local Relay and get involved. Thank you for joining Relay to create a world with more birthdays.

As a Relay For Life participant and supporter, you probably know some special people who are showing their love as caregivers. Caregivers face a variety of issues in their personal cancer journeys, and they need help along the way. Caregivers can get free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Many caregivers find support from peers through our online Cancer Survivors Network. Each month, we host special telephone workshops for caregivers, featuring a variety of topics and experts. We encourage you to take advantage of these support programs, or share them with someone you know who is caring for someone they love who is facing cancer.

A great idea for the artistic members of your team, or you could ask a local artist to donate his/her time. Lighter-colored umbrellas will work best, and you'll need fabric paint to make sure it adheres properly. Protect the designs by spraying umbrellas with waterproof spray after the paint dries. The umbrellas can be sold at local events or Relay meetings. You can even create an event around the activity, and let people paint their own umbrellas in exchange for a donation.

You can help decide what all Relayers will be wearing in 2012! Vote now for your favorite 2012 Relay For Life T-Shirt Design. The design with the most votes as of March 7 will be used as the official 2012 artwork on t-shirts and select promotional materials.

Volunteers and staff across the state are coming together again this year to recruit Relay teams and the progress is amazing! This year's Blitz, or B3 as we like to call it, has already brought in 550 new Relay teams.

What can you do to be part of the B3 action?

• Form a team. Find your local event here .
• Recruit others to join Relay and track your results.

Stay tuned for the B3 results next month!