Stephen F. Austin State University

"Relay for Life," the primary fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society, is scheduled from 7 p.m. Friday, April 13 to 7 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Homer Bryce Stadium at Stephen F. Austin State University. Relay for Life is traditionally held at the Nacogdoches High School track, but organizers changed the location to SFA this year in anticipation of having more participants for the event's 10th anniversary.

Relay is important, because it brings the entire community together for one purpose: to fight cancer," Britt Reid, ACS community manager for development said. "Cancer knows no boundaries. Bringing the community together is a wonderful way for us to show that we not only support those who suffer from cancer, but that we're going to fight against the disease."

In addition to raising funds for the American Cancer Society, Reid said Relay for Life is a celebration of the lives of those who have survived cancer, and a remembrance of the lives cancer has claimed. "It's also fun," Reid said. "This is a great chance to be involved in an extra-curricular activity."

Reid said she has been impressed with the participation of the campus community, and she is especially excited about the inception of a new campus group: "Colleges Against Cancer."

"We're preparing to elect officers for that group, and it will really open the door for the American Cancer Society to organize more events on campus," she said. "One of the students, Tim Hogle, really took the ball and ran with it."

Reid said organizers have set a $75,000 goal for the fund-raiser. More than $23,000 already has been raised through sponsorships, she said. "By April 5, we"ll have a better idea of how much the teams will bring in," she said. "Last year there were 32 teams and about 500 people. We're hoping to have 600 involved this year."

Reid said those interested in participating in Relay for Life do not have to be a member of a team. People can either walk individually, come to support those who are walking, or just come to enjoy the entertainment.

"The Jaycees are sponsoring a survivor walk," Reid said. "We hope all cancer survivors will come and participate in that."

"Bank Night" is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 5 at BancorpSouth as a time when all team captains and members will drop off their money, Reid said.

"It's a good chance for the teams to meet one another and to see who they will be camping next to for 12 hours."

Registration for the April 13 event will begin 6 p.m., and the luminaria ceremony is set for 10 p.m. Luminarias may be purchased for $5 in honor or memory of someone with cancer.

After the luminarias are lit, the lights are turned off as songs are sung and loved ones are remembered.

Those interested in purchasing luminaries can call1-800-ACS-2345 or Tonya Hearnsberger at 615-9466.