By Brenda Sexton, The Courier-Herald

One of every four people are touched by cancer, and organizers of the 2004 Enumclaw American Cancer Society Relay For Life think there's no better reason to get involved with this summer's event. And there's no better time to get information about the annual fund raiser than at the kickoff celebration at 6 tonight (Wednesday) at the Enumclaw Public Library.

Enumclaw Mayor John Wise and City Clerk Marcia Hopkins are sharing the chairman position for this year's event, which is scheduled for June 18 and 19 in downtown Enumclaw, and they are scheduled to welcome guests tonight.

Also on the agenda for the evening are LaMarco Mitchell of the American Cancer Society and Barbara Myers, who will share her personal survivor story and how she benefited from the walk. There will also be a brief video presentation, educational pieces, an overview of this year's event, a mini-luminary ceremony, question and answer period and refreshments.

Relay For Life is a community event designed to raise money for research and programs, draw awareness to the deadly disease, educate people on how to prevent and detect cancer when possible and celebrate the lives of those who have won the battle against one of America's top killers.

Teams of walkers from businesses, churches, schools, organizations, families and neighborhoods join with the cancer survivors for the 18-hour event. It works like this: one member of each team should be on the track throughout the event, whether walking, running, wheel chairing or sitting in a lawn chair. Each team participant is asked to raise flat donations (not pledges per lap).

After dark, luminary bags are lit in honor of those surviving/battling cancer and in memory of those who have lost their lives to the disease. Entertainment, carnival activities and kids activities, colorful decorated tents, prizes, games and fun for all ages round out the Relay For Life experience. There is also information about the American Cancer Society's educational programs, research, patient services and advocacy efforts.

Last year's Enumclaw event drew 15 teams, more than 250 participates and raised close to $40,000.

For more information about participating in the Relay For Life contact Hopkins at 360-825-3591.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com