Unfortunately, today, everyone knows someone with cancer and you can make a difference by being a part of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

Our Relay For Life covers a huge territory including the Allentown, Catasauqua, Northampton and Whitehall-Coplay School District areas. The event will be held at Whitehall High School's football stadium beginning noon, June 20 through noon, June 21. This is a 24-hour event since cancer never sleeps and patients need to go through the darkness before they can see the light.

We have three special ceremonies during the relay.

During our Survivor Ceremony, we celebrate cancer survivors and their caregivers as they come together to be recognized for their personal fight against a disease that has taken so much.

We remember those who lost their battle, those who won and those whose fight continues during our Luminaria Ceremony.

We have a Fight Back ceremony to inspire participants to make a personal commitment to help the fight against cancer. That personal commitment may be as simple as visiting the doctor, getting a screening test, quitting smoking or talking to elected officials about cancer.

The event is family-friendly and admission to all events and activities is free. This is not a run as people think.

Here are some ways you can help:

·Start a team for the relay. Just three or more people can make a team. We are encouraging school teams, faith based organizations, businesses and families and friends. There is no age restriction but an adult must accompany a minor.

· Join an existing team. Talk with Shari.

· Register cancer survivors to attend the relay and be part of the Survivor Celebration.

· Purchase and decorate a luminaria bag in memory of someone who has lost the battle or in honor of a cancer survivor. These $10 bags are placed around the track and are illuminated after 9 p.m. on June 20.

· Make a donation to sponsor a relay team or a general donation to the event. Go to www.relayforlive.org/pawhitehall and donate to a team participant.

· Donate an item or two for the Chinese auction.

· Volunteer at the relay. We need volunteers for the concession stand, meeting and greeting attendees and many more opportunities.

· Become a Cancer Action Network member to voice your opinion with legislators. The cost is $10 for a one year nontax deductible membership.

· Place a corrugated relay sign on your property in June to promote the event.

· Sponsorship opportunities are available from $100-$15,000.

· Be a part of the Bark For Life at Cedar Beach in West Allentown 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 17. Bring your dog for a day of fun-filled activities. Some restrictions apply. Come even if you don't have a dog.

Call Shari with any questions. Your involvement would be greatly appreciated.