There is not a person reading this article whose life has not been touched by cancer.
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Upon hearing the word, the range of emotions can run from fear to eternal hope for a cure and every feeling in between.
This year's American Cancer Society's Relay for Life will be held throughout a 24-hour period, starting 10 a.m. May 17 and will continue to the next day at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, off of Quirk Road, north of I-94 in Van Buren Twp.
The event has traditionally been held at the Belleville High School athletic fields until this year.
"I want to invite everyone to come to the Wayne County Fairgrounds for the Relay for Life and check out the event," Belleville Relay for Life chairperson Joyce Gant said.
"The American Cancer Society has awesome programs for survivors and caregivers to take advantage of."
The money raised by the American Cancer Society also goes to cancer research.
"I personally received treatment for my cancer that could have been researched through the money donated to relay for life," she said.
The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event is often defined as a celebration of life. While it can be a celebration characterized by fun and frivolity, Relay's celebration is truly symbolized by the courage and spirit of the more than 500,000 cancer survivors who, each year, proudly walk the survivor lap at more than 4,800 Relay For Life events nationwide.
"Recently, the American Cancer Society announced that for the second consecutive year, the number of deaths from cancer is declining.
"More people are surviving cancer. I know. I am one of them," stated Lianne Clair, a 32-year Hodgkin's disease immune system cancer survivor.
From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, local cancer survivors will be honored during the Survivor Celebration.
The Survivor Celebration offers both survivors and caregivers an opportunity to experience healing, receive support, and celebrate their collective victory over cancer.
Participating cancer survivors are given tee shirts to wear as they lead a special Victory Lap around the track in honor of their triumph over cancer.
This year's Victory Lap will be held at immediately after the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.
"The Victory Lap is one of the most moving experiences of the event," said Clair.
"Each year, it's heartwarming to see the crowds of people who surround the track cheering on survivors like myself.
"It reminds me that I'm not alone in my fight against cancer."
Also at the heart of this emotional event is the Luminaria Ceremony, which occurs after sundown.
Luminaria are small candlelit bags decorated with the names of people who have faced cancer.
The lit bags line the track often into the morning hours.
"The sight of the luminaria glowing in the darkness are impressive," said Clair. "The Luminaria Ceremony brings to light the impact cancer has had on our community and inspires us to do everything possible to find a cure."
Luminaria are available from a Relay For Life participant or by calling the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce at 697-7151. They will also be available at the event.
All donations received for luminaria are used to fund the American Cancer Society's mission of eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy and service.
While the event is open to everyone, people come for various reasons, whether to collectively share in the experience of surviving cancer or because they've lost someone to a horrible disease.
Many show up to support an important cause or to give aid and comfort to those who have only recently lost a cherished friend or family member.
For Terri Flores, a member of the Women of the Moose #1135, the Relay for Life event is more than just one of that organization's charitable causes.
"This year my reason to relay is because I would love to honor two very beautiful women, Lynn Burkhart and Mary Wensko," she said.
"Both of these women have passed away because of cancer. f there is any way I can help find a cure for this I am going to do it." Flores said Burkhart was a very dear friend to her mother who lost her battle last year to cancer.
"She has a very loving husband that stood by her side throughout all of her pain and discomfort," Flores said.
"I feel no man or woman should have to stand back and watch someone they love more then anything waste away to nothing.
She added, "This is just awful. There is nothing you can do to help someone when they are like this and it is just not fair."
Mary Wensko was Flores' grandmother she lost 19 years ago to cancer and Flores has never been able to get over that.
"That woman was there for me through everything I ever did. I love her more then anything and hate the fact she is not here with me today," she said.
"She taught me everything she could on how to become a woman, how to deal with family life. She was the one that gave me the courage to fight for what I want and don't stop till I get it."
And cancer is a fight Flores intends to battle with every ounce of life in her.
"I will honor those women by walking and will honor your husband and friends by trying to do my best to find a cure so no one else has to suffer as you and your family have," she said.
Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event that raises funds and awareness of cancer research and patient programs.
For 24 hours, teams of family, friends and co-workers camp out and take turns walking a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times as a reminder that cancer never sleeps.
For information more on how you can join the American Cancer Society Relay For Life nearest you, contact Amber Gilmore, community representative, American Cancer Society at 1-248-663-3427.
Donations can also be made directly to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Belleville by visiting www.relayforlife.org and clicking on Find Relay Events.
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