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    Imagine a world without cancer.

    With the help of caring communities and citizens across the country, the American Cancer Society hopes to make that dream a reality by the year 2015, said Brighton Relay for Life Event Chair Missy Lovario.

    Lovario got involved with relay several years ago as a member of the Valley Bank & Trust team. When her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away three years ago from the disease, it strengthened Lovario’s commitment to the cause.

    “Until you actually go through it, you don’t get as attached to the cause,” she said. “It became my cause. I bleed purple now. I can’t get away from it.”

    This year’s Relay for Life will be July 9 and 10 at the Brighton Recreation Center. Lovario said last year’s Brighton Relay brought in more than $90,000, and she hopes this year’s event raises even more funds for the American Cancer Society. Ninety-six cents of every dollar raised through relay goes directly to the organization, she said, which funds research for life-saving drugs and patient services including transportation, wigs and support services.

    There are still ways to get involved in this year’s event, Lovario said, whether you are a cancer survivor, or would like to volunteer to help with the event, start your own team or join an existing team.

    The relay begins at 5:30 p.m. July 9. During the relay, team members will walk on the track outside of the Brighton Recreation Center all through the night of July 9 until the early morning hours of July 10. Teams are required to have at least one member of the team walking at all times.  

    So far, 39 teams have registered for this year’s event. Thirty-seven teams participated last year. Some team members choose to camp out at the site through the night. Others stop by only for their allotted time to walk. Team members often dress up and decorate their campsites to get into the spirit of the event. The winners of the campsite decorating contest get to be on the float in the Adams County Fair parade.

    There will be a number of activities for all ages to keep participants entertained throughout the evening, including performances by local talent, a jumping castle, a DJ, games, movies, bingo, a silent auction, face painting and food.

    “See what it’s all about,” Lovario said. “Just come and check it out.”  

    This year also brings a new addition, a talent show. The show will begin at about 7 p.m. and will consist of a variety of area acts. Various forms of talent are encouraged to register, except bands, as the area is not able to accommodate them. Registration fee for the talent show is $15. Those interested in registering for the talent show can contact Lovario at 303-859-5954.

    Cancer survivors are honored at the event. They have the opportunity to walk the first lap of the relay in recognition. If you are a cancer survivor, or if you know of a cancer survivor who you would like to recognize in this year’s relay, contact Team Development Chairperson Dee Durland at 303-289-1453 or ddurland@aol.com.

    For those interested in volunteering, forming a team or individuals interested in being matched up with an existing team, contact Durland or Lovario at 303-859-5954.

    Anyone interested in purchasing luminaria’s ($10) or balloons ($1) in honor of or in memory of a loved one, can also contact Lovario or Durland.  

    “The theme for this year’s relay is ‘birthdays,’” Lovario said. “The words, ‘Happy Birthday,’ can be wonderful words if you or a loved one has ever been diagnosed with cancer and you thought there may not be many more birthdays to celebrate.”