The American Cancer Society is currently seeking volunteers to help organize and participate in its Relay For Life events being planned in Nassau County in the spring. Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where groups of friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers form teams to honor cancer survivors and those lost to cancer by walking or running around a track, raising spirits, awareness and funds to fight cancer through American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy and patient and family services.

At nightfall, luminaria candles are put in bags and placed around the track. They are then lit to honor those who have cancer, had cancer, and for those who have lost their battle to cancer creating a glowing tribute, which leads the way for walkers throughout the night. Live music and other entertainment keeps the festive atmosphere alive throughout the event.

Cancer survivors of all ages are the honorary participants of this event, and are encouraged to be a part of this life-changing event by attending and being honored. Each Relay For Life invites survivors to attend a reception and help officially kick off the event by walking in the "survivor victory lap" to the cheers and applause of the crowd.

Committees are currently being formed; now is the time to get actively involved in the fight against cancer in your community. Events are being held in the following communities:

May 5: Relay For Life of Valley Stream North High School (Valley Stream)

May 18: Relay For Life of Vernon Middle School (Oyster Bay)

May 19: Relay For Life of Long Beach Middle School (Long Beach)

May 19: Relay For Life of Syosset High School (Syosset)

June 2: Relay For Life of West Hempstead High School (West Hempstead)

June 2: Relay For Life of Bethpage Middle School (Bethpage)

June 2: Relay For Life of Lynbrook Middle School (Lynbrook)

June 2: Relay For Life of North Shore High School (North Shore)

June 8: Relay For Life of Locust Valley High School (Locust Valley)

June 9: Relay For Life of Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School (Plainview/Old Bethpage)

June 9: Relay For Life of Uniondale High School (Uniondale)

June 15: Relay For Life of Schreiber High School (Port Washington)

For more information, contact the American Cancer Society's Nassau County Regional office at 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org/relayonline.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout New York and New Jersey. For 24-hour cancer information, the public can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.