Relay for Life is a free local event designed to celebrate cancer survivors and caregivers and remember those we have lost, according to Brenda Hunter Martin, who serves as event lead for the Katy event, scheduled for April 20th from 4 to 10 p.m. at Katy City Park, 5720 Franz Road in Katy.

“Cancer has affected every one of us,” said Martin in an interview with the Katy Times. “It began in 1985 with a doctor walking for 24 hours to bring attention to patients battling cancer and to raise money for a cure. Since then, there are relays in thirty-one countries.”

“I have had a team for relay for life of Katy for twelve years since my husband, Tal, as diagnosed with oral cancer, Martin said. “I learned about relay while I was sitting and waiting at M.D Anderson for his treatment. I had never heard of it and then was quite interested. I was impressed that it seemed to be a celebration along with fundraising. We formed ‘Team KT’ (for my Tal and my daughter's friend Kim). Sadly, we have lost them both, but we Relay On for them. I slowly got involved on the leadership team and this year have the pleasure of being the event lead.”

“Our theme this year is simple – ‘Ray of Hope’,” said Martin in describing the event. “I think it says it all.”

The festivities are slated to start with a proclamation from Katy Mayor Dusty Thiele, followed by a flag ceremony from local Boy Scouts, and the national anthem sung by the Katy High School Choir.

Then – in one of the most moving ceremonies at the event -- survivors open the relay with a lap around the track, followed by a caregivers’ lap. “It is beautiful to watch and participate in,” said Martin. “I'll never forget our first relay and our 5-year old-granddaughter, KayLee Belle, running up and grabbing Papaw's hand to walk with him. That said it all.”

While participants relay around the track, a local family will lead activities in the center of the track. There will be bounce houses, a trackless train, giant games, cotton candy, and more, said Martin. As team members continue walking laps others can enjoy talented entertainment on the pavilion or participate in the silent auction.

Food at the event’s "snack shack" is available free of charge to participants and the menu includes hot dogs, burgers, frito pie, sausage, snacks, and other items.

The signature ceremony at Relay for Life is the lighting of luminarias, in honor of survivors, those who are fighting cancer and those who have lost their fight with cancer. White luminaria bags are decorated by Relay participants and then placed around the track. Lights sit in the white bags; the park lights are turned off and participants all join in a moving ceremony, scheduled to be held at 9:00 pm. The luminaria bags may be purchased onsite for $10.00 each, said Martin.

Event sponsors this year include presenting sponsor Gulf States Financial Services;

platinum sponsors, Rotary Club of Katy and Toyota of Katy; silver sponsors, Century 21 Western and Watts Pool Company; bronze sponsors, Mobile Dumps, Boardwalk Dental Studio, Ideal Air, Auto Check Elite, Stuff The Sleigh, and Amy Scarborough Real Estate.

Last year Relay for Life of Katy had 20 teams and raised $45,000.00, Martin said. “We are looking to surpass that this year,” she added. “Remember that much of the fundraising we do goes directly to cancer patients undergoing treatment, to support survivors and their families and to helping find a cure for this dreadful disease that surrounds us.”

There is still time to sign up, said Martin. Register at www.relayforlife.org/katytx.

“You can join a team, form a team or just come out,” Martin said. “You won't regret it!”