The community will band together Friday evening, May 10 at Green Brook Park to both celebrate and remember those who have battled cancer and to help raise money to find a cure for the dreaded disease.

This year’s event will mark the 22nd annual Relay for Life in DeKalb County with this year’s theme “Every Community Attacking Cancer.” The program will begin at 6 p.m. and will continue until midnight. Organizers have set a goal to raise $50,000 this year. Relay raised over $44,000 last year.

Among the notable events happening at Relay for Life event will include the traditional Survivor, Caregiver Walk which will step off shortly after 6 p.m. There will also be a solemn Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. where candles are lit in honor of those who have battled cancer.

Relay Coordinator Ivadell Randolph says DeKalb County has made a difference over the year in their efforts through the event.

“We are so appreciative of those who have helped over the years and we feel DeKalb County has made a difference,” she said, encouraging people to come out a numbers again this year.

Randolph noted that the American Cancer Society is the biggest source of funding in cancer resource outside of the government.

“Just this year 17 grants have come back to our state,” she said, noting the American Cancer Society funds $8.5 million in cancer research projects in Tennessee. “Eight of those were for Vanderbilt and eight or St. Jude.”

The ACS also administers the Hope Lodge program which provides a place to stay for cancer patients and their caregivers while they are in Nashville getting treatment.

Entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. at Green Brook. There will numerous activities and lots of food booths.

While much of the money has already been raised through various events that have went on all year long, there will be fundraising opportunities at the event.