FARMINGTON – The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Farmington scheduled for June 4 at Mt. Blue High School celebrates the lives of hundreds of local residents who have survived cancer, while offering the hope of finding a cure.

To honor the strength and courage of cancer survivors, all area survivors are invited to unite for the official Survivors’ Lap at 9 a.m. following the opening ceremony.

The Relay of Life of Farmington is an all-night community event where teams of walkers keep a continuous presence on the track throughout the night, walking in shifts to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Teams of eight to 15 members will gather with tents and sleeping bags to join more than 4,000 communities nationwide, including 16 in Maine, that are hosting relays.

The American Cancer Society will conduct the Relay For Life luminaria ceremony to recognize those touched by cancer in Franklin County at 9:30 p.m. that evening. Individuals or companies can make contributions in memory of those lost to cancer and in honor of those who have survived. Each will be recognized by a lighted luminaria (candle lantern) displayed at the Relay For Life at Mt. Blue High school.

“The presence of hundreds of candle lanterns representing loved ones helps make the luminaria ceremony a touching tribute that is a very special part of Relay For Life,” said Jonne Gross, publicity chairwoman for the Farmington event. “We hope to sell enough to light the entire area.”

Luminaria contributions can be made by calling American Cancer Volunteers Anna Lyon at 778-3339, ext. 1230, Linda Neuschwanger at 645-3388 or Jonne Gross at 897-6613.

Money raised helps support the American Cancer Society’s many programs and services and continue with its research projects, including two under way at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor that are funded by cancer society grants totaling more than $850,000. In addition, funds raised help support the society’s 24-hour, toll-free information line 800.ACS.2345 and web site, www.cancer.org.

To find out how to get involved or to volunteer, call the American Cancer Society at 800-464-3102, press 3.