Relay for Life is an international event that benefits the American Cancer Society and its affiliates worldwide, said Dawn Heard, a Relay for Life coordinator. Those who participate in the overnight event celebrate individuals who have survived cancer, remember those who died battling the disease and the families who struggle in the aftermath and raise money to fund ongoing cancer research and education efforts, she said.

At 5:30 p.m., about 30 minutes before the main event kicks off, there will be a "survivor reception," Ms. Heard said, with Bob Feger of Greenport and Connor Guditus of Mattituck as featured guest speakers.

Five years ago, Mr. Feger was diagnosed with a malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor, which affects only about 100 people a year nationwide.

"Malignant is such a scary word and you don't always have a positive attitude," Mr. Feger said. "Sometimes you fall into the pit of despair, and that's OK, but eventually you have to pull yourself out." Doctors successfully removed his tumor, and Mr. Feger believes help from family and friends got him through the ordeal. But the best advice he received was from Dr. Hugo Villar in Tucson, Ariz., who told him to "go home and live his life," Mr. Feger recalls.

As participants symbolically light the way to a cure during the luminaria ceremony at 9:30 p.m., Tina Koslosky of Southold will speak about how she has coped with losing her son to cancer. And cancer survivor Phillip McKnight of Greenport will speak at the end of the event.

Push Play, an up-and-coming Long Island rock band, will perform for free during this year's Relay for Life, said student coordinator Amy Dries, a ninth-grader at Mattituck High School. By a stroke of luck, her father, Wayne Dries, the event's entertainment chair, booked the band last year before they gained national attention. Their appearance should attract eager teens from all over Long Island and perhaps even from out of state, Amy said.

The local rock band The Contractors will perform again and volunteers from the Southold Fire Department will dispense offerings from the barbecue grill along with popcorn and cotton candy, said event coordinator Cathy Dries, Amy's mother.

Relay for Life began in Tacoma, Wash., over 20 years ago, when colorectal surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt circled a track for 24 hours to raise money to battle cancer. Today, millions of people across the nation participate in this overnight event.

Since the inception of Southold's Relay for Life, participants have raised over $200,000 -- $78,000 the first year and $146,000 last year. With nearly 70 ten-member teams signed up, this year's goal of $175,000 is within reach as long as the weather cooperates, organizers say.

The Relay for Life kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, at Jean Cochran Park in Peconic. Though registration closed on May 28, nonregistered guests are welcomed to join participants until midnight.

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