Those of us who have not been stricken by cancer may never know what it's like to walk a mile in the shoes of those who have.

That won't prevent people from taking laps when the American Cancer Society stages its 14th annual Relay For Life of Lower Carbon County this weekend at the Lehighton Area Middle School Stadium.The 24-hour event runs from 10 a.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday at the stadium, located at 301 Beaver Run Road. Admission and parking are free.Relay for Life community manager Cheryl Haas said this year's relay theme is "Passport to Hope.""Every team was given a different country to decorate their campsite with," Haas said. "All of Carbon County has been very good to the cause and to the event."Opening ceremony is at 10 a.m.There will also be a basket raffle, food court, and new this year, vendors and crafters.The parade of teams is at 1 p.m., followed by the fight back ceremony.New this year is a Hero Lap, with invitations sent out to fire companies, police officers, and EMS in Carbon County.Survivor registration is from 4-5 p.m. The survivors reception will be held at 6 p.m. A dinner reception for survivors will follow immediately after. Beth Billman, of Lansford, will serve as honorary survivor.The luminaria ceremony is at 9 p.m., followed by the Miss Relay contest at 11:15 p.m.Closing ceremony is at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.Haas said this year's event features 22 teams and 358 registered participants.To date, $62,018 has been raised, she said. The overall goal for this year is $92,000, Haas said."I am always thankful to every single person, whether it's someone who comes and brings their family for dinner, or just comes to see what it's about, or serves as a team's captain," she said. "Every person has that piece of the puzzle to help fight cancer."Relay For Life is a 24-hour community event that raises awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society to support cancer research and provide free programs and services to cancer survivors.It is much more than a fundraiser. It is designed to involve the entire community in cancer education, increase awareness of the mission of the American Cancer Society and its advocacy efforts, and to learn about programs and services available to cancer patients, their caregivers and families.The event brings more than 3.5 million people together annually to celebrate the lives of the survivors who have battled cancer and are winning the fight, to remember loved ones lost to the disease and to fight back by making a commitment to put an end to cancer.Last year, 31 teams participated with 544 registered participants and 135 registered cancer survivors.That event grossed $98,072, Haas said.Over $1 million has been raised since the event formed in Palmerton in 2002.For more information, call 610-921-2329 ext. 3114, or visit

www.relayforlife.org/-palowercarboncounty.