Relay For Life is an exciting annual fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.

Teams of 12 to 15 members, formed from companies, schools, clubs, families and other organizations, walk or roll in wheelchairs in relay fashion for 24 hours around the track of a local school. The event is filled with live music, activities, contests and education.

The eighth annual Relay For Life of Antioch/Pittsburg is organized and produced entirely by local volunteers on behalf of East Contra Costa County for the American Cancer Society. The fundraising goal for 2007 is to be determined.

Relay For Life supporters help fund programs in their own community and give hope to cancer patients. Proceeds raised from this event will be used for cancer research, education and patient services in East Bay.

The Relay For Life opens with cancer survivors walking or wheelchairing the first lap in celebration of their successful struggle against the disease. This is an emotional time and sets a serious tone for each participant's contribution.

Another highlight of the event is the Luminary Ceremony, held after dark to honor cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their battle against cancer. The luminaries line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the importance of their contribution.

The event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 23 and the fun progresses non-stop for 24 hours, concluding on Sunday, June 24 at 10 a.m. A participant from each team is to be on the track at all times.

The Relay For Life event will be held at the Los Medanos College track/football field, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The team entry fee is $150 and each team member is asked to help raise a minimum of $100 in donations. Many incentive prizes are available for individuals that raise the most money and each participant who raises $100 will receive an event T-shirt.

The Antioch/Pittsburg community is encouraged to join in the fight against cancer by participating in the Relay For Life.

For more information, contact Kelli McDaniel at your local American Cancer Society office at 934-7640 (option 3) or e-mail kelli.mcdaniel@cancer.org.