Local walkers and runners go around the clock in the battle against cancer during one of the eight American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life events. This “celebration of life” brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams from all walks of life will gather in different San Antonio communities in April, May and June for a 12-hour relay against cancer. Each event begins at 7 p.m. Friday evening and ends at 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Locally, the Relay For Life for central San Antonio is May 4 and 5 at Olmos Basin Park, 700 Devine.

Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life — including cancer survivors, medical support staff, corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers — to join together to fight cancer. The Relay For Life reminds people that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk, run, or wheelchair the first lap. As the evening progresses, a festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. An atmosphere of camaraderie ensures with team members entertaining each other … eating, playing games, and of course, walking or running for a good cause.

The luminaria service is held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer highlights the event. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants that cancer never sleeps.

“Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,” said Charlie Gerdes, San Antonio Relay For Life Council chair. “Many of the participants will be people who have been cured of cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in cancer cure rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.”

“The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and services for patients,” Gerdes said. “Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”

Information about forming a team or becoming involved in Relay For Life is available from the American Cancer Society at 614-4212 or (800) ACS-2345 or visit the Web sites www.cancer.org or www.relayforlife.org.