CAMBRIDGE — “Heroes of Hope” will gather on May 19, for the 2017 Dorchester County Relay For Life in the parking lot at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School.

This will be the 21st annual cancer awareness and fund-raising event with the theme celebrating cancer survivors, caregivers and Relay team “heroes.”

Relay For Life began in May 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Wash., raising money to help the American Cancer Society with the nation’s biggest health concern: Cancer.

Dawn Cook, chairperson of Relay For Life, said, “Dorchester’s Relay For Life has raised millions in the fight against cancer and that fight is not yet over. The funds raised truly make a difference — just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year.”

Mrs. Cook said funds are used for such programs as Road to Recovery. “Cancer patients frequently cite transportation to and from treatment as one of their most critical needs,” she said. “The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program matches cancer patients with specially trained volunteer drivers to fill this need.”

Cancer survivors, caregivers and members of the community are all invited to the event, where Relay teams will be walking a designated path to emphasize the importance of the fight against this disease.

Survivors and caregivers will be recognized at a reception and lead the first lap of the Relay. Survivor registration will begin at 4 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, with the reception from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Relay For Life also recognizes and celebrates caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.

The opening ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., followed by the survivor and caregiver laps. The “Heroes of Hope” lap at 7 p.m. gives everyone the chance to dress as their favorite hero.

The Luminaria Ceremony at about 8:15 p.m., will remember those who have lost their battle against cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside personalized bags and placed around the track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer, and will shine throughout the night. Bagpiper Randy Welch will lead this lap.

Scheduled entertainment includes DJ Whisper, local rock band Attica Fix, and music by Paul Harrison, plus food by Two Chicks Catering. More fun laps and games will continue until midnight. There will also be a silent auction at the site.

Cancer survivors should contact Chris Foxwell to register at 443-521-4517; anyone wishing to purchase a luminaria for $5 should call Vickie Bramble, 410-228-6302; for information on Relay and the special laps, call Mrs. Cook at 410-251-2758. Visit the website at www.relayforlife.org/dorchestermd.