July 17, 2006 – (San Diego) Teams are being formed now for participation in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) annual 24-hour Relay For Life walkathon. For the second consecutive year, the event will be held at the track at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), Saturday, July 29 starting at 9 a.m.

“We are delighted to have the Relay For Life at Point Loma again this year,” said Katie Copeland, manager of community development for ACS. “The participants really enjoy the beauty of such a great location. And the school has really gone above and beyond in their generosity in terms of logistics and coordination.”

In the U.S., one out of every four deaths is from cancer. In San Diego County, nearly 12,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer and more than 4,700 cancer-related deaths are expected to occur this year.

Relay For Life is a celebration of life for survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost and a rally for the community to fight cancer. It is also the largest fundraising event in the world with 4,500 communities across the U.S. participating this season. Last year, some $351 million was raised at Relay For Life events across the nation for cancer research, education and patient programs.

According to Cathy Gallagher, coordinator of the event for PLNU, more than $45,000 was raised at last year’s event, as eight teams and close to 125 people participated.

Teams consist of between eight and 15 members. The basic idea behind the relay is to keep at least one team member moving on the track during the entire 24-hour period. The event has the ambiance of a group campout, and most teams do sleep or camp out on the track. No strict rules are enforced about walking, and donations are primarily a flat rate and not given based on number of miles or hours walked.

Entertainment and activities for all ages are scheduled throughout the day and night this year, including a bounce house for kids, live bands, face painting and a late night movie. Gallagher thinks the Relay can be a fun outing for families.

One of the highlights of Relay is the evening luminaria ceremony in which candle-lit luminaries – decorated with the names of cancer survivors and those lost to cancer – are placed around the track to light the way for walkers and runners.

In addition, cancer survivors will be honored in a special lap around the track following opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.

For more information on the event, to sign up a team or to make a donation, visit www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/ptlomaoceanbeach, or call Cathy Gallagher (619) 849-2564 or Mary Wendt, ACS Media Relations officer, (619) 682-7414.