Saturday is big day for annual Simi-Moorpark Relay for Life fundraiser - Moorpark Acorn

The American Cancer Society’s annual Simi Valley-Moorpark Relay for Life fundraiser is happening today, Oct. 19, giving residents a chance to celebrate survivors and remember those who lost their lives to the disease.

By the end of 2024, the ACS expects America to hit a bleak milestone: surpassing two million new cancer cases for the first time in a calendar year. That’s almost 5,500 cancer diagnoses a day. Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death among Americans, after heart disease.

Relay for Life is more than just a walk, the Cancer Society said in a statement. It is a volunteer-led movement that unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families.

Participants in the event help the Cancer Society with its advocacy, research and patient support efforts. The society strives to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

The Simi/Moorpark Relay for Life event begins with a survivor breakfast followed by an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley.

There will be live music and entertainment all day, as well as a costume contest and trick-or-treating.

A solemn luminaria ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington in 1985, Relay For Life unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for lifesaving change. Since 1985, the relay has raised $6.8 billion to help save lives from cancer.

In 2023, the Simi Valley-Moorpark Relay for Life raised more than $60,000 for the American Cancer Society’s mission.

Dollars raised each year by more than 250,000 participants across the country help support the American Cancer Society’s mission in countless ways, including funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.

For more information, go to www.relayforlife.org/simimoorparkca.

—Acorn staff report