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

There are 27 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 $16,076 for cancer research and education.

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.

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.

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

It is not too late to get involved. 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.