More than 620 Brentwood Relay For Life participants have raised approximately $130,000 for cancer research this year, but they’re only getting started. Relay For Life returns to Ohmstede Field at Liberty High School on Saturday for 24 hours of celebration, reflection and miles of memories.

Brentwood Relay For Life has been raising funds for the American Cancer Society since 2004, and if the money keeps rolling in throughout the weekend, the Brentwood community will have raised more than $2 million for cancer research and support programs in its eight-year history.

“We are working to make this a true community event, as cancer touches lives everywhere,” said Relay Event Chair Lynn Gursky. “Our goal is to raise $250,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s work in the areas of cancer research, education, advocacy and free services to cancer patients and their families. The money raised benefits researchers, patients and their families in all cancers.”

So far, 68 teams have registered to participate, but there’s still time to sign up online at www.relayforlife.org/brentwoodca. For those who don’t want to fundraise, there’s still plenty of fun to be had at Relay. Teams will be hosting onsite fundraisers, bands will perform throughout the day and there will be plenty of activities for guests of all ages.

“Relay is not a walk, not a run, but 24 hours of celebration and remembrance,” Gursky said. “Teams set up camps around the Liberty track and participate all day and night in activities designed to emphasize the importance of cancer prevention and detection.”

Relay will kick off at 9 a.m. with a survivor lap in which local cancer survivors take the first lap of Relay, inspiring onlookers and motivating them to keep up the fight against cancer. Survivor chair Wendy Robertson has planned a host of activities for survivors and their caregivers to enjoy while at Relay.

“As a cancer survivor myself, this is a very healing and inspiring place to be this weekend,” Robertson said.

Registered survivors receive a complimentary purple survivor Relay For Life shirt, and new this year, survivors get a coupon book for discounts on Relay activities.

At dusk, Relay festivities turn into a time of reflection as participants remember those who have lost their battles against cancer. During the Luminaria ceremony, the track is lined with lighted bags inscribed with messages from participants paying tribute to their lost loved ones.

Relayers continue to walk the track throughout the night, and when the sun comes up, Relay energy springs back to life with a Fight Back ceremony in which participants pledge to keep the spirit of Relay alive for the rest of the year – vowing to pursue better, healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of cancer to themselves and their families.

Relay For Life takes place at the Liberty High School Football Field, across from the post office on Oak Street. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/brentwoodca.