For the 12th year, Oakdale and surrounding area residents will gather for 24 hours on the campus of Oakdale High School, united in the fight against cancer.

The American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, Relay For Life, will be hosted on the OHS soccer fields Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28.

More than 50 teams, including over 800 participants, have signed up to join in and already more than $100,000 has been raised in the effort.

The 24-hour event is designed to raise money and awareness, along with celebrating the survivors and remembering those loved ones lost to the disease. There are activities throughout the 24-hour period, from musical groups to team competitions to sponsorship recognition to the evening luminaria ceremony.

Teams range from local businesses to families, school groups to church affiliates and the goal for all is the same, helping fight back against cancer.

Organizers remind residents that anyone can attend the festivities throughout the day, take advantage of the various food and merchandise that teams will have for sale to raise money, and help celebrate the many birthdays that the American Cancer Society has helped cancer survivors see post-diagnosis.

Opening ceremonies will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with the survivor lap officially starting the 12th annual Relay For Life of Oakdale at 9 a.m.

Since ‘cancer never sleeps,’ at least one person from each of the participating teams must be on the track at all times during the 24-hour event.