The countdown is underway for the ninth annual Relay for Life, sponsored the American Cancer Society at Wareham Middle School on June 17.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

"It is about taking the time to celebrate those who have survived cancer, remembering those lost, and fighting back," said Mike Duff, Community Executive of Development for the American Cancer Society.

While Relay for Life’s main purpose is to generate funds for cancer research, it’s also a tool to educate people about steps they can take to help prevent cancer and let people know what resources are available to them, Duff said.

Last year, 340 walkers and at least that same number of supporters turned out to raise $65,000 in for the Relay for Life in Wareham, and organizers expect to surpass that number this year.

There are 26 teams signed up so far for this year’s Wareham Relay. Some groups have been holding their own mini-fundraisers throughout the past several months. Thus far, the teams have raised $7,594 for cancer research and education.

At Relay, teams camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Because "cancer never sleeps," Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length, Duff explained.

"This is my second year and my main reason for walking is that I lost my father 18 years ago and my mother last Christmas both to Pancreatic,"said Roxanne Raymond about why she is committed to Relay for Life."Many [of my former co-workers] have survived cancer, unfortunately I also lost some good friends."

Businesses, fire departments, church groups and Rotary clubs have all had teams at the relay.

Since 1985, Relay For Life events across the United States have collected more than $3.5 billion in the fight against cancer. In 2009, over 5,034 Relay For Life events across the country raised more than $386 million.

New this year, the Relay For Life iPhone application is available to help participants fundraise on-the-go and help teams monitor donations.

Sign-ups to participate will be accepted until the day of the event. For more information on Relay for Life or to register, click here.