The American Cancer Society Relay For Life celebrates the lives of hundreds of local residents who have survived cancer, while offering the hope of finding a cure. To honor the strength and courage of cancer survivors, all area survivors are invited to unite in a “Survivors’ Lap,” shortly after the relay begins at the Relay For Life event in Sallisaw at the football field on June 26, Beverly Smith, Relay for Life Sallisaw chair, said.

The survivors’ lap takes place directly after the opening ceremony at 7 p.m.

Smith explained the Relay For Life event in Sallisaw is an all-night community event bringing together teams of families, friends, churches, neighborhoods, and businesses — all with the same goal of curing cancer. Teams of walkers keep a continuous presence on the track throughout the night, walking in shifts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

To volunteer for the relay call Smith at (918) 774-4902.

Dollars raised through Relay For Life help support the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and patient services. Programs include Reach to Recovery, providing one-on-one support for breast cancer patients. Relay For Life also helps maintain the American Cancer Society’s toll-free 24-hour cancer information line, 1-800-ACS-2345, and Web site, www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.