The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

One important aspect of the upcoming American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Brunswick is the opportunity for people to come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those who have won their battle.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events.

As the sun sets over campsites and darkness falls, the night is brightened by the glow of candles illuminated in bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. Some celebrate cancer survivors, while others help us honor and remember those gone too soon.

All represent someone special who has been profoundly affected by cancer, and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor. Luminaria will be lit at the Brunswick High School Track on Friday, May 17 at 9:30 p.m. to represent these individuals.

For a donation of $10, anyone desiring to honor or remember someone with a luminaria may do so by calling 207-373-3712, emailing brunswickrelay@gmail.org, or by visiting www.relayforlife.org/brunswickme/.

Prior to the Luminaria Ceremony, the Survivors Lap will kick off the 2013 annual Relay For Life of Brunswick on May 17 at 6 p.m. as survivors and their caregivers will circle the track, surrounded by friends and family cheering them on.

Also a part of the Relay For Life event is the “Fight Back” Ceremony, in which a community leader will inspire Relay participants with his or her own commitment and will challenge them to take a personal pledge of action (e.g., stop smoking, healthier eating habits, exercise regularly, etc.) in fighting back.

For information about making a luminaria donation, forming a team, or walking in the Survivors Lap, please call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.relayforlife.org/.