YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – It's almost that time of year when Desert Sun Stadium will be filled with locals honoring cancer survivors and remembering those whose lives have been taken by cancer.

Relay for Life of Yuma County will hold its 28th annual Relay for Life event on Saturday, March 16th.

“Relay for Life is a national movement of the American Cancer Society. We are the society's number one fundraiser, and last year across the United States Relay for Life raised more than $68 million.” said Amber Thornton, event leader for Relay for Life Yuma.

At Relay for Life, community members are seen taking turns walking along a track lined with Luminaria bags.

There will also be an opportunity to cheer on local survivors or join in as a survivor for the first lap of the day.

“We know not everyone can complete 12 hours, so get outside, walk a few laps, and walk as far as you can. We encourage cancer survivors and their caregivers to get out early in the morning. We want them to come,” Thornton said.

Anyone can sign up for a fundraising team, and the team can show up and set up a space on the truck to collect money.

“This year's fundraising goal for Yuma County is $100,000. By the time of the event, we're almost halfway to our goal. That's exactly where we want to be. So now we really want to encourage our community to get involved. Our team is going to do that. We're going to have a fundraiser here and we're going to have food and trinkets for sale,” Thornton said.

As darkness falls, the luminaria bags surrounding the truck are lit for an unforgettable luminaria ceremony.

The opening ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

If you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society or create a team for Relay for Life, click here here.