Goucher College will be the staging area for the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay For Life for northern Baltimore County, on Friday, June 17 into Saturday, June 18.
The opening ceremony is at 7 p.m. Friday at the Goucher track.
Participants can register at the time of the event, which will feature walkers from teams mounted by communities in Towson, Cockeysville and Hunt Valley, who will go round the clock to raise money to battle cancer.
Individuals and teams will camp out near the track, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening.
"The event brings communities together to celebrate those who have fought or are fighting cancer, remember those who have lost that battle, and fight back against the disease," said Jim Higbee, a Towson resident who is leading one of the teams.
"It is also important to know, when you are dealing with cancer, that you are not alone, that there are so many other in the same situation, and so many people and organizations willing to help," he said.
The relay also will feature a Luminaria Ceremony, during which glowing luminaria that bear the name of someone who has battled cancer will be displayed.
Luminaria may be purchased for $10 by visiting relayforlife.org/northbaltimorecounty or by calling the American Cancer Society office at 410-931-6850.
In addition, the opening ceremony will feature the raffling off of a 2011 Fiat 500, donated by MileOne Automotive.
Last year's relay raised $90,000.
The teams have done most of their fundraising prior to the event, but some teams also will hold fundraisers at their camp sites.
This year, organizers expect more than 30 teams, 300 attendees, and more than 60 survivors and their caregivers, according to Molly Schreiber, community manager with the American Cancer Society.
"Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups … people from all walks of life — all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society's efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back," Schreiber said in a statement.
Registration is $10 for participants of all ages. All proceeds from registration and raffle go to the American Cancer Society.