LEWISTON – About 1,000 people are expected to participate in this weekend’s Relay for Life, a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.

The walk will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the Lewiston High School track with a ceremonial Lap of Hope, in which survivors walk, run or ride in wheelchairs. “Luminary” candles will be lighted in honor of survivors at 10 p.m.

Relay participants walk or run relay-style in half-hour shifts for 18 hours, ending at noon Saturday. Teams camp out overnight and take turns walking throughout the two days.

Cancer survivors, their families and friends, and other members of the community participate to honor those whose lives have been touched by cancer and to raise funds in an effort to find a cure.

Survivors will be invited to speak of their personal experiences and to share their thoughts on how the advances of early detection and treatment have led to improved survival and improved quality of life.

More than 30 teams of area residents, businesses and organizations will walk in the Lewiston Relay. Sponsors include the Sun Journal, Shaw’s, Mechanics Savings Bank, UPN-35 and WBLM, Hood Dairy, Showcase Sounds and WB-51 and WCYY.