In 13 towns across Long Island this spring and summer, neighbors will come together for a single cause - to fight cancer and honor cancer survivors. Residents of eight Suffolk and five Nassau communities will join the residents of 3,800 other communities across America in a celebration of survivorship and hope at the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. The overnight event is a movement that has swept the nation since its inception in 1985. Relay For Life is the largest grassroots fundraiser in the world and is designed to give everyone an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.

Survivors of all ages will walk around a track in a victory lap and friends will honor loved ones lost to the disease in an evening candlelight vigil. Caregivers will also be honored with a special ceremony and lap in their honor. The overnight event joins teams of 8 to 15 people who camp out at community sites, often school or university tracks, and take turns circling the track or path to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services in the community. This year, the event will be held in many communities, including Farmingdale, Jericho, Massapequa, Port Washington and Wantagh.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors walk, run, or wheelchair the first lap to the cheers and applause of the crowd. The caregivers join in for lap number two as their contributions are recognized. A festive atmosphere develops around the track area as participants make new friends and spend time with old ones. Live music, dancers and other entertainment keep the party jumping throughout the event.

Highlighting the evening is the luminaria service, held at nightfall, to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria candles line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

For those who become part of Relay For Life, the event represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that the disease will one day be eliminated. Since the first Relay For Life was held in 1985 in Tacoma, Wash., the event has raised more than $977 million. In May 2003, Relay For Life broke the $1 billion mark.

Upcoming Relay For Life events planned for Nassau County include:

* June 13 at 6 p.m. to June 14 at 9 a.m. - Farmingdale Relay for Life - Farmingdale State University

* June 14 at 7 p.m. to June15 at 8 a.m. - Massapequa Relay for Life - Massapequa High School

* June 21 at 7 p.m. to June 22 at 8 a.m. - Port Washington Relay for Life - Schreiber High School

The Relay for Life was also held in Wantagh on June 1, Lawrence and Lindenhurst on June 7,

There's still time to take up the fight against cancer in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. To help plan the event as a committee member, participate as a team captain, or join a team to be a part of one of these phenomenal community Relay For Life events being planned across Long Island this spring and summer, contact your American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.