Relay for Life event at Harper has high goal

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Inverness is embarking on its 12th year, and organizers are determined to make this the most ambitious event yet.

In 2009, the 12-hour overnight fundraiser raised $192,000, reaching the $1 million mark over the local event's lifetime. This time around, the goal is to raise $201,000 for cancer research, education, support groups and advocacy.

Relay For Life will take place from 6 p.m. June 11 to 6 a.m. June 12 on the south end of the practice fields at Harper College, located at Roselle and Algonquin roads in Palatine.

Co-chair Shelly Filion said 72 teams have registered so far, but more are welcome. The organization expects about 900 total attendees.

No fire pits will be allowed this year, but there will be raffles, live bands and an overnight DJ to keep at least one participant from each team motivated and moving around the track.

And while every Relay is different, certain traditions are the same at events across the nation.

During a Luminaria Ceremony, those who have been lost to cancer or touched by the disease will be honored with a silent lap lined with candles in bags of sand marked with loved ones' names. There's also a Survivors Lap, serving as an inspirational time for people to celebrate achievements over cancer. And, people commit to taking up the fight against cancer during the Fight Back Ceremony.

For more information, go to relayforlifeprmi.com.