The Relay For Life is a celebration of life in honor of those touched by cancer. This memorable community event raises funds for the American Cancer Society?s programs of research, education, advocacy and service ? programs that reduce cancer deaths and cancer incidence, and improve the quality of life for those touched by cancer.

Nationwide, the Relay For Life has grown to become the American Cancer Society?s national signature activity. In 2007, over 4,800 Relay For Life events were held throughout the United States and raised just over $400 million. More than 3 million people participated and over 500,000 cancer survivors walked in opening laps. In Florida the Relay Community grew to include 329 events, more than 100,000 participants and more than 19,000 survivors walking the opening laps of these community events. Almost $22 million was raised in the fight against cancer in Florida alone.

This year?s Downtown St. Petersburg Relay For Life is set to be a true community event with fun, food, entertainment and camaraderie for all ages. Teams will walk, jog or run relay style around the track ? in shifts ? over the course of the night. This year?s Relay For Life will open with the first lap, called the ?Victory Lap,? for local cancer survivors. There is also a more solemn aspect of the event during the Luminaria ceremony. This is an emotional candle-lighting ceremony to honor those who have survived cancer and to remember those who have not. This powerful ceremony ties participants personally to their ?Reason to Relay?  and this important fight against cancer.

To form a team, all a person needs to do is organize friends, relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, faith based organizations, service clubs or other organizations into a team and pay a $100 registration fee to reserve their campsite, team theme and Relay T-Shirts!

Relay For Life is about a community taking up the fight. The Downtown St.
Petersburg Relay For Life promises to be an incredibly memorable experience.

The  Relay For Life is set to be held May 14 and 15th, with opening ceremonies beginning at 6pm. Together, we WILL create a World With More Birthdays!

For more information, visit www.RelayForLife.org/DowntownStPetersburgFL  or call 727-812-7004. Relay For Life ? it?s all about providing Hope for the future, Progress towards a cure, and Answers to cancer questions.