MOULTRIE, Ga. — On Friday, April 26, participants will gather at the annual Relay For Life of Colquitt County at the Colquitt County Ag Complex, 305 N. Veterans Parkway to help beat “our biggest rival” — cancer.

This year’s event will be held from 6-10 p.m. The luminaria ceremony is scheduled for 9 p.m. with torches and candles lighting the track in honor or in memory of loved ones and friends.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the only organization fighting cancer on every front, according to a press release from local Relay for Life organizers. Funds raised from Relay For Life events allow the ACS to attack cancer in dozens of ways, each of them critical to achieving a world without cancer — from developing breakthrough therapies and innovative research, to building supportive communities that come together to help those affected by cancer with access to treatment. The ACS provides empowering resources to deploying activists to raise awareness and develop game-changing approaches to address the cancer burden for all people.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Wash., in 1985, the Relay For Life movement of 3.5 million participants across the world unite at more than 4,500 events to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. Symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer, the event can last up to 24 hours and empowers communities to take a stand against the disease. Since 1985, Relay For Life events in the U.S. have raised more than $6.3 billion.

The Relay For Life of Colquitt County is supported by many local businesses and organizations. This year’s sponsors include Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Edwards Cancer Center, Willie J. Williams Middle School, Ameris Bank, Colquitt EMC, Lazarus Department Store, National Beef, Mother Easter Baptist Church, Crystal Pharmacy, Southwest Georgia Bank, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and Moultrie Federated Guild.

Visit RelayForLife.org or www.relayforlife.org/colquittga for more information.