More than a half-million people died of cancer-related causes in the United States last year, estimates the American Cancer Society.

This weekend, more than 600 locals are coming together to fight back. And for at least two organizers of the Relay for Life, this weekend’s fight is personal.

“My husband has had brain cancer for four years,” said Jennifer Derner, event chair. “This event is just close to our hearts.”

“My dad went through his second bout of prostate recently,” said Media Chair Kate Huerta. “For me, this is a great way to give back and help and to honor (my relatives).”

The fifth annual Relay for Life will be held at Sutter Middle School on Saturday and Sunday.

At this 24-hour, nationwide event, teams made up of eight to 15 people will take turns walking around the track at Sutter to raise money for cancer education, research, patient service programs and advocacy.

“It’s the number one fundraiser for the American Cancer Society,” said Derner.

In 2006, the Relay for Life raised more than $375 million for the ACS. Locally, Derner has her sights set on a much more modest figure.

“The goal is $130,000,” she said. “I’m hoping we get there, but with the economy and all, I don’t know.”

But given how quickly this event has grown, organizers have to be pleased with their chances.

“We’ve doubled in teams this year,” said Derner. “We have around 640 participants on 52 teams this year.”

Raising money is nice, but the Relay for Life is about more than dollars and cents or laps around the track. The event begins with the Survivors’ Lap, during which cancer survivors will be honored and celebrated.

“My dad is coming from Wisconsin to walk the Survivors’ Lap,” said Huerta.

The event also features a hope and remembrance ceremony. Luminaries bearing the names of people who died of cancer are set around the track and lit at dusk.

“I think it gives each person their own opportunity to honor someone’s memory,” said Huerta.

The Relay for Life will also include face painting, live entertainment from several local bands and food tents.

This year, there will also be an educational side for the event, too.

“Each time is tasked with having a mission,” said Huerta. “My team’s mission is leukemia and during the event it’s our job to educate everyone else on that mission.”

The real mission, though, is to further cancer research. And residents will have a great opportunity to do so this weekend.

“The bottom line is everybody is touched by cancer,” said Derner. “Although so much is being done, there’s still more to do.”

The Relay for Life is 9 a.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday at Sutter Middle School. For more information, call Jennifer Derner at 320-4361.