Broadneck's Relay for Life is Friday

Dozens of Broadneck walkers are gearing up for the annual Relay for Life of Arnold/Annapolis, scheduled for Friday night.

The event promises 14 hours of sleep-free festivities, friendship and fundraising, all to benefit the American Cancer Society.

"Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer," said event organizer Kim Gramza. "Survivors are why we relay, teams are how we are successful."

Last year,  with the help of 1,400 walkers. Teams are formed of eight to 15 individuals who get area supporters to sponsor their walk. Area schools also get in the mix, and are often some of the most successful teams in terms of sponsorships.

This year, the teams are working toward a $200,000 goal. You can track the teams sponsorship progress on the American Cancer Society's website.

A slideshow of last year's event shows just how much effort these volunteers put into the relay.

This year's relay begins at 5 p.m. Friday at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, and will be preceded by a dinner to honor area cancer survivors.

After the sun goes down, there will be a luminaria ceremony, lighting up the night with paper bags filled with candles.

"These bags represent people, each with a name and a story to tell," said Gramza.

To participate in this year's walk, visit the relay's website and follow the links to register. There is a $10 registration fee, and sign-ups are being taken right up until the event.