LAWRENCEBURG, TN ? Hundreds of walkers will take to the track at Lawrenceburg?s Rotary Park this summer in the battle against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. This ?celebration of life? brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back.

Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at Rotary Park for an overnight relay against cancer August 9, 2008. The event has been moved to Rotary Park this year due to overwhelming growth. More than 40 teams have already registered to participate this year and teams are still being formed. Contact Brenda Burns at 931-629-2882 or 931-829-4000 or visit www.events.cancer.org/lawrence to form a team.

Relay For Life, the Society?s signature event, is a life-changing experience that helps us celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and to fight back against a disease that takes too much. This unforgettable event raises awareness and funds to save lives, help those touched by cancer, and empower people to fight back against this disease. With the money raised at Relay, your American Cancer Society is working toward an important goal — a future without cancer.

Relay For Life includes a celebration of cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), who walk or wheelchair a lap around the track. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events. As new friends are made or time is spent with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins. An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games, and, of course, walking for a great cause.

Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

?Relay For Life is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fund raiser,? said Debby Dial, event chair. ?Many of the participants will be people who have been dealt with cancer themselves. Their involvement is proof of the progress that has been made in reducing cancer death rates and in the quality of life following cancer treatment.

?The funds raised will enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through educational programs, research and services to patients,? Dial said. ?Due to the generosity of corporate sponsors, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society?s lifesaving programs.? Businesses which would like to become a Relay For Life sponsor, may contact Dial at 766-3021.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.