Purple reigns Mother’s Day week.

American Cancer Society’s “Paint the Town Purple” to raise awareness for the Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life July 21-22 at Niles High School will cast a royal hue May 13-20.

With 74 days until Relay for Life, 105 participants on 30 teams have already raised $5,404.

“We want to cover the town in purple ribbons, balloons, anything you can think of to help bring awareness to our event,” Tiffany McFadden, ACS community representative, said Tuesday.

“Schools, neighborhoods, anywhere. Please be respectful when placing items and be sure to remove them after the event.”

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s largest event and the world’s biggest fundraiser with more than 3 million participants.

During this overnight community event, teams walk around a track to raise funds, celebrate survivorship and remember those claimed by cancer.

Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life is in its 13th year. This year’s goal is $80,000. Last year the event made more than $67,000.

McFadden’s office in Portage is the hub for 18 Relays in seven counties, including Berrien and Cass, fall Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, a golf outing and a large raffle in Kalamazoo.

McFadden grew up in Van Buren County and has worked with health care-related non-profits for 12 years.

Loved ones have been touched by cancer, so “this is near and dear to my heart,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see the passion of the volunteers. It’s remarkable how dedicated they are.”

Paint the Town Purple is new to Niles. Volunteers from an 18-member committee were headed out Tuesday to distribute purple ribbon packets to Relay sponsors.

“They’re very big” ribbons, she said.