Highland, CA– Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. That is the theme for the Relay for Life of Highland which will be held at Highland Community Park, 7793 Central Ave. in Highland on Saturday, May 21 through Sunday, May 22, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life unites communities across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

Join the fight. Walk for your family, friends, and loved ones who have been touched by Cancer. The 40 King, the Sheriff’s helicopter will fly by to kick-off the event. The guest speaker will be Highland survivor, Karen Blanco, a two-time cancer survivor.

“This event means so much to all who have experienced cancer. And, we are celebrating life,” states Blanco. “It is a time when we come together to remember our loved ones who have lost the battle and honor those who are survivors. My brother and his wife, another survivor, are joining us from Ohio to celebrate life.”

The Luminaria Ceremony at dusk is inspiring. As the sun sets, the night is lit up with the glow of illuminated bags called luminaria, each bearing the name of someone who has battled cancer. All represent someone special who has been affected by cancer and the family and friends who continue to fight back in their honor.

Cancer survivors will be pampered in the Survivor Tent sponsored by Stater Bros. Charities. There will be food, beverages, games, goody bags, massages, and a raffle for great prizes every hour for 24 hours among other fun things.

“We want the survivors to be treated special for all that they have had to endure,” says Penny Lilburn, chair for the Survivor Committee. “And, we will have a Stomp out Cancer session where survivors can vent while stomping on balloons.”

Other activities during the 24-hour period include Survivors and Caregivers Lap, Midnight Bingo, a Popcorn Frenzy, Sunrise Service on Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. by Pastor Rob Zinn, and closing “fight back” ceremony with survivor Christina Milian speaking.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

To register go to www.RelayForLife.org/highlandca or call 909.503.6681.