Relay for Life of Roswell Does Battle Against Cancer Friday Night

The kicks off tonight at , giving locals a chance to fight cancer on several levels.

The 12-hour event begins at 6 p.m. tonight Friday, April 27 and goes until 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, Saturday, April 28, raising money for cancer research through sponsorships and teams who collect pledges to walk through the night.

This year's fundraising goal is $181,000, which will hopefully beat last year's total of $180,000 raised. As of Thursday, April 26, Relay for Life of Roswell had 984 participants, 52 teams and $126,032 raised, according to the website. Those numbers do not yet include last minute donations and funds turned in during Bank Night this week.

Not a part of a team? No problem. You can still get involved even at this late hour in one of several ways:

• Sponsor a participant or a team - there are plenty of walkers who would gladly accept your donation and your solidarity in the fight against cancer. Donating is easy online; select a participant you want to support or just make a contribution to the cause.
• Be a part of the Cancer Prevention Study III (CPS 3) - The latest in a series of studies that began in the 1950’s and linked cigarette smoking to lung cancer. .

A celebratory opening ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., Friday, April 27 on the Roswell High School football field. It will be followed by a survivor lap and reception, a luminaria ceremony and finally, a closing ceremony at 6 a.m. the next morning.