Relay For Life is more than just joining a team and raising money. It is a combination of teams fund raising to make progress toward a future without cancer.

Relay For Life honors cancer survivors, remembers the loved ones lost and fights this overpowering disease that has already taken too many people.

Many people know someone who has battled cancer, lost his or her battle with cancer, or who is still battling cancer today. So instead of buying that $5 Starbucks drink you get at least twice a week, think again and help save lives and donate to a great cause.

To join or make a team, visit www.relayforlife.org/ashlandu, and click the orange “sign up” button. You can also make a donation on the website.

Jessica Dunkle, who is in charge of the event said she is looking forward to it.

“We are looking to hopefully raise about $5,000 for the American Cancer Society once the event is over,” she said.

Each year, Relay For Life has a theme, and this year the theme is built off of a “ray of sunshine.”

“The theme this year is Ray of Hope,” Dunkle said. “Each team is picking a different color to represent them and when put together it will be like the cure at the end of the rainbow.”

Those who are interested can show up to the event at anytime. Luminaries will also be available for $10 each. Luminary bags are decorated with the name of a loved one who is battling the disease or has lost to cancer and are placed around the track during the event.

Throughout the event, there will be different games such as dodgeball, cornhole and a dance party plus other fun things to keep everyone entertained.

Relay For Life will be held Friday April 5 beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing until 6 a.m. Saturday in the Recreational Center.