More than 1,000 participants are expected to gather around the track at the Kokomo High School for eight hours of fun and community involvement in a symbolic journey against cancer.

This year’s Relay for Life event takes place from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 29 and Kokomo residents will come together in a display of unity to benefit survivors, remember loved ones lost, and raise funds to help fuel life-changing research.

“To me, watching the community come together and raise all this money for someone who goes through something so tragic as cancer, helps them know that they are not alone,” said Relay for Life committee member Hannah Wiebusch.

The event begins with a survivor lap around the track in celebration of local cancer survivors with noise makers and pom poms to cheer on those affected by cancer.

Following the survivor lap, teams who have formed to collect money will take turns walking laps around the Kokomo High School track during this 8-hour event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Of the $20,000 goal for this year’s fundraiser, Wiebusch said, volunteers who have worked for the last seven months have already raised more than $17,000.

Guests can shop from more than 50 local vendors who donate proceeds from sales back to the organization, watch dance and renaissance performances, enjoy a car cruise-in, see a RC car demo, or participate in family-friendly games and entertainment including giant Twisters, ring toss and face painting.

The end of the night closes with a memorial ceremony to reflect and remember those who have lost their lives to cancer and commemorate the journey of those who have survived with lighted luminaria bags that will line the track to light the way for future cancer research.

To learn more about this event or the American Cancer Society, click here.

Walking for a Cure - Relay for Life Returns to Kokomo

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