"The Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired hosts The Relay for Life on Saturday, May 14th, 2011, at our track at 7725 North College Avenue. The 24-hour event is just one of thousands held around the country annually. Our goal this year is to raise $36,000 for the American Cancer Society. Presently, 21 teams are registered to participate. Angie's List, Brebeuf, Bishop Chatard High School and ISBVI are just some of the groups that are participating," said ISBVI teacher Dave Schneiders. Other teams include Flanner and Buchanan, Ceramic Dreams, the Girls Scouts and Broad Ripple Village Association.

"It is the fourth year for the event at our school and we really need about 30 teams to make it a bigger success. The day is full of activities, including bands (who will donate their performance), games, food, an auction, lots of walking and a very moving luminary ceremony at dusk honoring the victims of cancer and those still fighting it," he noted.

Two ISBVI students participating in Relay for Life shared their thoughts on the event.

Junior Nicolas Bunton of Indianapolis, mentioned, "For more than 25 years, Relay For Life has been saving lives and creating more birthdays for people that are suffering from cancer. Cancer isn't something that people particularly like to spend time thinking about, until it hits you or someone you know," he added.

"Why I relay? I relay because I know personally teachers and staff members at my school who have been suffering from cancer. Most of them have been survivors of this awful sickness, but not all of them have been so lucky. I relay so the people I know have the support and encouragement they need to make it through life, despite the days when they just don't want to get out of bed. I relay to save a life," he explained.

Sierra Brummett, a Marion, Indiana native and residential high school student, said, "I participate in Relay for Life because cancer has affected my family for many years. It has taken my great grandmother and many other family members from me. Cancer is a horrible disease that needs to be driven from the world for good. I also know many people who have had cancer and lived. My mom, grandma, great aunt and my great grandpa all had cancer and are still alive today. I will do anything to get rid of this disease so that no one has to go through the pain of losing people they love. This is why I am involved in Relay for Life," she emphasized.

Relay for Life was the vision of Dr. Gordy Klatt, according to the web link, www.cancer.org/Involved/Participate/RelayForLife/history-of-relay-for-life. A colorectal surgeon, Dr. Klatt spent 24 hours circling the Baker Stadium track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. During that time, he logged 83 miles and raised $27,000 to help Tacoma's ACS office. Friends pledged $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with Dr. Klatt. A committee planned the first team relay event later that year that has evolved into the annual Relay for Life event that occurs today.

For Cindy Wise, Director of ACS of Central Indiana, the event is also a personal one. "I lost my Mom to lung cancer about six years ago. I oversee approximately 20 events and the Washington Township Relay for Life is one of them. Our goal is to celebrate our (cancer) survivors and also recognize those who have lost their lives to it. We really appreciate the effort of those who help spread awareness and get more people who have a passion to fight this disease," she explained. ACS Directors like Ms. Wise continue Dr. Klatt's vision, which has grown to 18 countries outside the United States.

To participate in your local area Relay for Life event or learn more, visit www.relayforlife.org/relay/findevent/teams.

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event promotes unity in the community by raising awareness in fighting one of life's deadliest diseases.