The Relay for Life of Redmond and Kirkland is holding its annual kickoff event Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the Juanita High School cafeteria from 7-8 p.m.

The school is located at 10601 NE 132nd St. in Kirkland.

Each summer, volunteers put on a 24-hour Relay for Life event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, at Redmond High School.

This year’s event will be held June 19-20.

The man purpose of the kickoff event is to register new teams as well as returning teams. Those who register now will receive the early-bird half price registration fee of $50.

Teams will set up camp sites on the Redmond High School football field and stay for the entire 24 hours, signifying that cancer doesn’t sleep.

This year’s theme is Decades of Hope and each campsite will be decorated to show a particular decade.

The teams work together during the year to raise funds that will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Of those funds, $.70 of every dollar raised goes directly to research for a cure for all types of cancer and advocacy programs. The cost of putting on the Relay is covered by corporate sponsorship.

The day begins with a pancake breakfast for cancer survivors and caregivers followed by a victory lap around the track celebrating survivorship.

For the remainder of the day, at least one member of each team will be walking around the track at any one time while activities and entertainment are taking place on stage and around the field. After sunset on the first day, there is a ceremonial lighting of luminaria set up around the track. Accompanied by a bagpipe, this is a heartfelt ceremony recognizing survivors and remembering those who lost their battle with cancer.

If cannot attend the kickoff event, visit www.relayforlife.org/redmondkirklandwa to register. The half-price fee for early registration will be in effect during January. Also, businesses interested in a corporate sponsorship, visit the Web site.