Tonight: American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield will be held tonight, June 17, and will join with other communities across the state and nation to "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back."

Relay For Life of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield will host this annual overnight event to celebratwe the lives of those who have cancer, remember those lost to the disease, and fight back against a disease that has taken too much from too many.

Relay For Life is a family-focused, overnight event that brings the community together in the fight against cancer. Teams of local businesses, schools, churches, community groups and families raise funds - prior to, during, and even after the event - to help support services for patients and their families in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield in the form of cancer research, community educational programs, and advocacy initiatives.

"When we support Relay For Life, we support the American Cancer Society's mission to save lives by helping people stay well, get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back," said Carol Gick, Event Chair. "As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it, will  be celebrating birthdays this year."

Relay For Life starts with local cancer survivors uniting to walk the first lap of the event. Survivors are then joined by family, friends and co-workers who have helped them through their battle with cancer. The Luminaria Ceremony is held after dark to honor cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle against cancer. The Luminaria, which are decorated paper bags bearing the name of the honoree, are filled with sand and a lit candle, line the track and continue to burn throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their efforts and contributions. The Fight Back Ceremony, held later in the evening, inspires and motivates participants to take action to fight cancer year-round.

Teams are now being formed, and Luminaria to honor loved ones are available for a donation. For more information on how to get involved in the Relay For Life of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Winfield and to see a list of planning meeting dates, visit the event website at www.relayforlifegww.com, or call the American Cancer Society at 630-932-1141.