Concord to Host Relay For Life in Todos Santos Plaza

Cancer survivors and those who have lost loved ones to the disease will gather in Todos Santos Plaza this summer to "celebrate," "remember" and "fight back."

The American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" is an overnight event where teams camp out and take turns walking or running around a relay route. This event took place at Concord High last year, and has moved to Todos Santos Plaza this year for July 13 and 14.

"This provides an opportunity for the entire community to come together to celebrate friends and family who have survived cancer, remember those we have lost and fight with those who are still fighting," said Christa Fairfield with Relay for Life.

Each team must have at least one participant on the track at all times, according to Relay for Life, "because cancer never sleeps."

Concord's teams and participants have raised more than $5,000 so far in the run up to Relay for Life Concord.

Participants can sign up for the event on the Relay for Life Concord website or make a donation online.

An informational, pre-relay event is planned for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 23 at the Concord Farmers' Market, when Relay for Life will "paint the town purple" by decorating Todos Santos Park. 

"We are working to make this a true community event, as cancer touches lives everywhere," said Fairfield. "Relay is not a walk, not a run, but 24 hours of celebration and remembrance."

Do you participate in Relay for Life? Why? Share your story in the commments below.