The Steamboat Pilot & Today

More than 500 people will take to the track at Steamboat Springs High School for Relay For Life on Friday night — and the walking won’t stop until Saturday.

“Cancer never sleeps, so we don’t stop walking all night,” co-chair Linda Jackson said.

Forty teams, including more than 200 cancer survivors, are registered to participate in Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature annual fundraiser.

The community as a whole is invited to join in throughout the event, especially at the luminaria ceremony Friday night.

“Last year, we had over 2,000 luminaria bags, each dedicated to someone either recovering, in the fight, surviving, or who we’ve lost,” Jackson said. “All the lights go out, and it’s just the luminarias.”

Relay For Life has extended to more than 4,800 events in the United States each year, with international relays taking off as well, Jackson said.

As of Tuesday, the Steamboat Springs Relay For Life had raised roughly $150,000, with the goal of matching last year $200,000 total, publicity coordinator Jayne Hill said.

“At this point, we’re a little ahead of last year, but with the economy where it is, we’re not sure if we’re going to match last year,” Hill said.

In addition to the community supporting the event with donations, local businesses also have done their part.

Food furnished by a number of sponsors will be available throughout the event, from the Routt County CattleWomen’s famous chili to bratwurst and burgers from the Steamboat Springs Rotary Club, Jackson said.

“What can we say about the generosity of the community? All the businesses have stepped up, small and large,” Jackson said. “It’s this community coming together to beat this disease and to support each other and spend time together.”

— To reach Melinda Dudley, call 871-4203

or e-mail mdudley@steamboatpilot.com