A special luminaria ceremony during this weekend's American Cancer Society Relay For Life-of Highline will remember those lost to cancer and honor those who have survived.

This year's Relay For Life-of Highline - described by organizers as a "celebration of life" - will begin Saturday, June 10, at 3 p.m. and continue until 9 a.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Olympic Middle School track, 615 S. 200th St., in Des Moines.

Luminaria candles will be lit at the track at dusk (10 p.m.) to represent the victims of cancer and cancer survivors.

"It will be beautiful when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track," said Sandy Buchanan, luminaria chair. "We hope to sell enough to light the entire area."

Luminaria candles will be available for a donation from 3 to 9:30 p.m. All funds raised through these sales will support the programs and services of the American Cancer Society.

Relay for Life was started in Tacoma in 1985 by Dr. Gordon Klatt as a fundraiser for the fight against cancer. Since then it has become the American Cancer Society's single largest activity with relays taking place worldwide.

Last year more than 4,400 communities in 16 countries hosted a Relay for Life event, making it the largest fundraiser of any kind.

Relay For Life brings numerous groups and individuals concerned about cancer together for a unified effort to fight back. Former and current cancer patients, their families, businesses, civic organizations, and the public are invited to take part in this exciting team event.

Participants in this family-oriented event camp out at the relay site, and when they are not taking their turn walking or running they participate in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment.

Highline-area cancer survivors will kick-off Relay For Life at 3 p.m. with the first official lap, and then the other participants will join in.

For more information about the relay or purchasing a luminaria, or walking in the Survivors' Lap, call Sandi Hart at 206-713-4458.

For information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit their web site www.cancer.org.