An estimated 5,000 Santa Clarita Valley residents are expected to participate in the Relay For Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society at Central Park in Saugus, a 24-hour event starting Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m.

The ACS is the cause fighting cancer on every front; standing shoulder to shoulder with cancer patients and their caregivers. Funds raised help ACS to provide critical assistance for patient treatment and support, assist patients in staying healthy, and in research to achieve a world without cancer.

Donations allow ACS to continue developing breakthrough therapies, build supportive communities, provide empowering resources, and deploy activists to raise awareness.

The Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley is one of California’s largest Relay For Life events. In the past 20 years, Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley has raised more than $7.2 million dollars to support the American Cancer Society’s mission.

Local cancer survivors understand first-hand how donations lend a helping hand. The money helps fund research, and local free services such as Look Good Feel Better at Henry Mayo Hospital, free wigs, discounted stays at Extended Stay, rides to treatment, and support groups such as Reach to Recovery.

Relay For Life “Hall of Famer” Jeff Ross will be the featured guest speaker at the event’s signature Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. Saturday, to commemorate Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley’s 20 year anniversary.

Ross is one of the American Cancer Society’s most dynamic volunteer speakers, working nationally and internationally on behalf of ACS. Ross is one of only five volunteers in the world to be inducted into the Relay Hall of Fame.

Doves are released during the opening ceremonies of Relay for Life SCV.

“It gives them (cancer survivors) the feeling that community cares about them, supports them,” said Dr. George Hajjar, a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Santa Clarita, who is among those supporters. “I do tell my patients about Relay For Life, and ‘I hope to see you there.'”

Central Park is located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita 91350.

Take action this year and help make cancer a priority by participating or donating to the Relay For Life of Santa Clarita Valley. Visit www.SCVRelay.org to learn more about the event, or contact Event Leadership at chairs@scvrelay.org.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress; 14.5 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.