The relay is timed to correlate with the emotional struggle of cancer patients.

Beginning at dusk, a group of participants gathers and the walk begins. As time goes on, the sky darkens and temperatures drop. Relay walkers become tired as the night goes on, wanting to give up and stop fighting to stay awake.

But eventually, morning comes. Light returns. Life goes on.

The Relay for Life began in 1985, when a surgeon from Tacoma, Wash. decided he could run for 24 hours and raise money to fight cancer. In 1986, the run became a team relay. Now, more than 20 years later, the annual relay is held around the country and has become the largest fundraising effort in history.

This year's Casper relay isn't until August, but the official preparation begins at 11 a.m. today at the Casper Senior Center.

Rita Miller, a community relationship manager for the American Cancer Society, said the kickoff is geared toward anyone who wants information about the relay. Volunteers in attendance will explain particulars of the event, and participants can pick up team packets or purchase Relay for Life merchandise.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to funding research to cure all kinds of cancer. In fact, the society funded the research of Dr. Sidney Farber, who was the first to send a cancer patient into remission through use of drugs, like modern-day chemotherapy. The group also gives information and emotionally supports cancer patients, survivors, and families.

The Relay for Life includes teams of walkers are sponsored by friends and family to keep at least one team member walking all night.

But Miller, herself a cancer survivor, said the walk holds special meaning for cancer patients and survivors.

"The first one I ever attended, I realized I wasn't in this fight alone," she said. "Others had gone through it, and I could survive too."

Miller hopes that Casper community members will be as supportive as ever for this year's event, beginning with the official kickoff.

"It's really important that everybody tries to do their part to fight this disease," Miller said. "It's the community's chance to fight together, and every dollar counts."

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com

To attend

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Natrona County Kick Off will be held today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 E. Fourth St.