On May 5^th the American Cancer Society (ACS) will hold their annual Relay for Life Event in Bakersfield to raise money for research and programs aimed at curing cancer.

What is currently one of Bakersfield’s largest fundraising events started in 1985 with a single runner circling a track in Tacoma, Washington. Friends would “donate” $25 to run or walk with him for 30 minutes at a time. Now the event has grown into an international event used to raise money across the globe by gathering teams together for a 24 hour community event to “Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back.”

Events begin on Saturday morning with Opening Ceremonies, including an inspirational Survivors’ Lap, and subsequent Caregivers’ Lap, celebrating the efforts of patients and their families in battling their disease, along with a day of fun events. That evening the Luminary Ceremony provides an opportunity for remembrance by giving participants the means to create luminaries in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, and in honor of survivors. The visual effect of circling the track lit only by hundreds of luminaries, is not soon forgotten. The FIGHT BACK Ceremony on Sunday morning wraps up the event with education and commitment to saving lives.

This year’s event theme is “Amazing Race for the Cure.” Join us in raising funds or sign up for a time to walk or run the track by contacting Liz Moody at [email protected].