By Kristopher Anderson

Springfield Times Intern

In one week, many of those within the Lane County community who are active in the fight against cancer will walk to remember, celebrate and raise awareness during Relay For Life at Thurston High School.

Relay For Life is an event which takes place across the globe, providing the public with an opportunity to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remember loved ones who have been lost and fight the disease.

Every year, nearly 3.5 million people throughout 5,000 counties across the country come out to support the event, according to the Relay For Life website. It is hosted by the American Cancer Society. This will mark the 25th year of Relay For Life. This will be its 18th year in the Eugene-Springfield area.

The event will take place on Friday, Aug. 6 at noon, and go for 24 hours, ending the following day at noon.

"The reasoning behind the 24 hours is to signify a day in the life of a cancer patient," said Rustie Ackland, co-chair for the event.

Throughout the 24 hours there will be live music, food venders and a number of teams who will be selling items to raise money for the event.

Last year the event raised about $650,000 and this year it hopes to raise $750,000.

For more on this and other news from around the Springfield area, including a special tourism/history tab section, be sure to pick up a copy of the July 30 issue of Springfield Times, available at news racks and stores all around the area. Look under the 'Newspaper Locations' link on this site to find out where. To subscribe to the paper, call 541-741-7368 or stop by 741 Main St.