American Cancer Society’s (ACS) national Relay for Life campaign is coming to Magnolia for the first time.

In its 25th year, the cancer awareness and fundraising campaign is held nationwide to “celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease,” according to the ACS’s Web site.

Lisa Anderson, one of the chairpersons of the event, said the relay has garnered “fantastic” support from the community so far.

“The school district has been amazing support all around,” she said.  “We have a strong committee that’s been canvassing the Magnolia area.”

The event is especially meaningful for Anderson, whose parents, Ken and Harriet, are both cancer survivors.

Relay for Life entails teams of people camping out at a park, fairground or high school and taking turns walking or running around a path or track. The relay lasts throughout the night to recognize that cancer never sleeps.

Each relay features a Survivors Lap, Luminaria Ceremony and Fight Back ceremony.

Organizers encourage all cancer survivors to sign up online and come be recognized during the Survivors Lap of the relay.

Anderson said the group is hoping to surpass the fundraising goal the ACS set for them.

“We are striving to be much higher than what ACS has given us,” she said. “Our personal goal is 50 teams and $125,000.”

All money raised goes to the ACS.

The event requires only a $10 registration/commitment fee to participate.

So far, there are 29 teams and 115 participants who have collectively raised nearly $4,000 for the ACS, numbers that are growing everyday, according to the relay’s Web site.

The event will be held May 14-15 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Magnolia Junior High’s Swann Stadium.

For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/magnoliatx.

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