Hundreds of participants will come together on Saturday, May 17, in Dowagiac to honor cancer survivors, their caregivers and to pay tribute to those for whom the cure did not come soon enough.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life event ignites team spirit among participants and works to raise funds used to save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.

The Relay For Life of Cass County is an overnight celebration where people take turns walking, running or otherwise circling around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer.

No one needs to be a track star to be a winner in this race for life. The idea is to enjoy your time, dance, play games, and enjoy the presence of others all while raising money to finish the fight, and provide services to cancer patients and their families.

One of the many highlights of the event is the luminaria ceremony, or candlelight vigil, held at nightfall to honor cancer survivors, caregivers and to remember those lost to cancer.

The event reminds everyone that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten and that those who face cancer will always be supported. More than anything it makes everyone hopeful that one day, cancer will be eliminated for good.

This event is touted as therapy for the mind, spirit, and the heart.

Since 1985, Relay For Life has spread to more than 6,100 communities in the U.S. and has become a worldwide movement, taking place in more than 20 countries.

This year’s event takes place at Dowagiac Union High School, at 10 a.m. on May 17 to 10 a.m. on May 18.