We are all affected by cancer. We either know someone who has been stricken with it, or we have been suffering with it ourselves. I lost one of my best friends to the disease and watched both my mother and sister endure it. But while there is no cure for this dreaded disease – there are people who care enough to help fight it – people like the staff and students of Lawrence High School, who are getting ready for their annual Relay For Life.

Taking place April 1 in the Lawrence High School gym, 2 Reilly Road in Cedarhurst, the Relay For Life is an overnight event in which people compete in various events and sleep in the gym to help raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer – and lend their love and support to those dealing with it on a daily basis.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. and continuing until 6:30 a.m. the following morning, the event begins with a survivor’s lap, which is run by people who have beaten cancer. After the lap, the families of the survivors join the race for the second lap, followed by everyone else joining in the relay.

Competing in teams that have their teammates alternating throughout the night – with the exception of one member who must compete for the duration of the relay, the team competition signifies the ongoing battle against cancer – and the hopeful finality of a cure.

In addition to the relay, there is a DJ until 2 a.m., games like Bingo, a hula-hoop contest – and even a Fear Factor competition. There will be a candlelight ceremony at 9:30 p.m. to honor those who have lost the battle against the disease.

Before the relay begins, there is a survivor’s dinner to honor those courageous individuals. Carole Roseto, one of the organizers of the event, invites everyone to the relay – and also extends a special invitation to any cancer survivor who would like to attend the dinner free of charge. For more information on the dinner or the relay, call Carole at (516) 295-8084.

Until there is a cure for cancer, one of the best weapons against it is forming teams of supporters who help fight the fight. Cancer sufferers sometimes feel like they are battling the disease alone, but when they are surrounded by people who love and care for them – the fight seems a lot more winnable.