(Radio Iowa/KJAN) — One of the most successful fundraisers for the American Cancer Society is now underway in Iowa. The Relay for Life is being held in nearly 80 Iowa communities this year. Tina Coleman, spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society in Iowa, says the premise is simple as teammates take turns walking or running on a track or path to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer.  “We’re seeing the attendance at these relays going up this year and the giving is even more this year than it has been in the past,” Coleman says. “I think people really understand what Relay for Life is, where the money goes and how it helps people.”

Launched in 1985, Coleman says statewide support is definitely there for this annual cause.”Relay is the biggest fundraiser in the world for cancer,” she says. Last (Wednesday) night, a Relay for Life was held in Stanhope in Hamilton County that raised $23,000. Multiple relays are planned this weekend, including Friday in Atlantic, Guthrie Center, Johnston and Spencer, and Saturday in Carroll and Independence. The Cass County Relay for Life will be held tomorrow (Friday, June 21st), at the Atlantic High School and track. Area survivors and a caregiver are invited to enjoy a free meal at the Atlantic High School Commons provided by the Atlantic HyVee. Registration is at 4:30-p.m., with a meal to follow. Teams and Sponsors are then invited to come out for the Survivor’s Ceremony at the High School at 6:00pm. Everyone will then head out to the track and the public is welcomed in for the Pennant Ceremony and Survivor’s Lap at approximately 6:30pm. A tailgate meal will follow for Teams, Sponsors, and Walkers at approximately 7:00pm. Come out to Celebrate Survivors, Remember those we’ve lost, and Fight Back against Cancer.

The Cass County Relay for Life Tractor Ride will hold registration at 8-a.m. Friday, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Atlantic with tractors departing at 8:30. A $25 donation to Cass County Relay for Life is requested. Pastries and drinks at registration. Ride will travel to Elk Horn then Walnut. Lunch at rider’s expense at Emma Jean’s in Walnut. After lunch a scenic ride back to Atlantic to enjoy root beer floats at the end of the ride.

To find a relay in your community, go to secure.acsevents.org