What it is: Relay for Life is a unique fund-raising event that allows participants from all walks of life, including patients, medical support staff, corporations, churches and community volunteers to join together to fight cancer. The Relay reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer, and that everyone who participates is making a difference!

Team participation: Participants form teams of 10-15 people, taking turns on the track walking or running in shifts. Teams are organized by friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, churches and other organizations. Each team is asked to keep one member on the track at all times. Team members are also required to pay a $10 registration fee and asked to raise a minimum of $100.

Ceremonies: The Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk, run or wheelchair the first lap in celebration of their victory. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. The luminary ceremony is held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle against cancer. These luminaries line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contribution.

Why we do it: One in three Americans will get cancer in their lifetime. Everyone is personally affected by cancer sooner or later. Today, slightly more than half of cancer patients survive. This survival rate can be increased through more research and greater community awareness of health issues. Relay For Life gives everyone an opportunity to fight back - to make a difference in the battle against cancer.

• Cancer strikes one out of every three Americans. You or someone you love will fight cancer sometime in your lives. The American Cancer Society has been the leader in the fight against cancer since 1913.
• Every known method of detecting cancer and every known technique for treating cancer were discovered by researchers who received American Cancer Society research grants.
• Your money is spent carefully. The American Cancer Society receives the highest ratings from all philanthropic watchdog groups and was recognized by Money Magazine for its efficient use of funds.
• The American Cancer Society is the only anti-cancer organization that conducts local cancer control activities in almost every community in America.
• The American Cancer Society is dedicated to continuing the fight until cancer is no longer a health problem.

The American Cancer Society is the nation's largest and most respected voluntary health agency and the leader in the fight against cancer since 1913.

The Society's acclaimed research program has funded researchers who have discovered every known method for detecting and treating cancer. Our researchers have won 28 Nobel Prizes in the last 40 years. The leadership of the American Cancer Society led the federal government to establish the National Cancer Institute and the Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and to invest heavily in cancer research.

The American Cancer Society has an active presence in every county in North Carolina. Community based programs to promote prevention, early detection and prompt treatment are being conducted by thousands of dedicated volunteers across the state. The American Cancer Society takes a strong leadership role with state agencies, various coalitions and the cancer centers at universities.

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