The Seattle Relay for Life, a 24-hour walk/run fund-raising event to benefit the American Cancer Society, will be held Friday, June 4, beginning at 4 p.m., at Roosevelt High School.

As many as 65 teams of 8-12 people each are expected to participate taking turns walking or running relay-style around a track for 24 hours. Teams raise money prior to the event, then attend the event to take part in contests, entertainment, fun and camaraderie. The goal for the Seattle event is to raise $165,000. It will be one of approximately 2,500 events held nationwide, with an overall goal of raising more than $112 million in 1999.

An opening ceremony will be held on Friday, at 6 p.m., with a Survivor Lap, where cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer will be recognized and invited to walk the first lap in celebration of their accomplishment. Following the lap, survivors will be invited to attend a Survivor Social where they can unite with other survivors.

At 9:30 p.m., hundreds of luminary candles will be lit in memory and honor of loved ones and friends who have been taken by cancer or are surviving cancer. A special ceremony and moment of silence will follow the candle lighting.

Music, food, contests, awards and prizes will add to the festive atmosphere as relay participants set up camp, make new friends, catch up with old ones, entertain each other, play games, share experiences and get a little shut-eye between laps. Participants are encouraged to bring their sleeping bags and spend the night so they won't miss the action.

The event will conclude at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Proceeds from the event will be used for cancer research, education and patient services.

The American Cancer Society is the largest private funder of cancer research in the country. The organization's comprehensive cancer control program includes cancer research, school and worksite educational programs, public policy efforts, and direct services to cancer patients and their families.

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 425-869-5588, ext. 135.