Relay for Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society. Teams of families, friends and/or co-workers take turns walking a track for 18 to 24  hours to celebrate survivors and their caregivers, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer - all while raising funds for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.

While that definition is accurate, Relay is truly so much more. It's a feeling that cannot be described but only known by those that experience it. It's joy, sadness and anger. It's hope and it's love. It's something everyone that has been touched by cancer should be apart of.

Years ago, I started as a participant. Three years later I became a team captain and an ACS CAN member. Last year, I joined the committee and this year I am a co-chair. Now my nine-year-old is our team co-captain and my sister-in-law is our team survivor. I became a team captain following my mom's death from lung cancer. She remains my biggest reason to Relay. But I also Relay so that one day my daughters will not have to.

Consider coming by and seeing what Relay is all about. There will be teams selling goods and holding drawings all around the track. The proceed benefit ACS. Coping with cancer, whether you personally or watching a loved one, can leave us feeling hopeless. But for one night we can gather with others who understand what we are going through. As a community we can support each other.

What: 2012 Relay for Life of East Providence
Where: Pierce Memorial Field, 201 Mercer St. East Providence, RI
When: June 1 and 2, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.

CELEBRATE. REMEMBER. FIGHT BACK.