In 2025, roughly 2.04 million new cancer cases and 318,120 deaths from cancer are expected to occur in the United States, with more than 90,000 new cases and 27,000 deaths expected to occur here in Pennsylvania.

Cancer continues to be the second most common cause of death among Americans, after heart disease.

To help end cancer as we know it for everyone, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Schuylkill County will be held on Saturday at Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven.

The Relay For Life was revived after a multi-year absence in 2024, with 16 teams and 57 total participants. For 2025, the event has 17 teams and 97 registered participants — a participant growth of over 70% and rising.

Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. Luminaria will be for sale as well as lap beads, raffle basket and 50/50 sales.

The relay kicks off at noon with Spotlight Kidz singing the national anthem.

The day includes face painting, bake sale, football toss, promotional giveaways, temporary tattoos, cornhole, ring toss, giant checkers, ladder ball, triple toss, horseshoes, bounce toss, bean bag toss/challenge, giant dominoes and more.

A flag retirement ceremony will be held at 3 p.m., with a veterans lap at 3:30 p.m.

The survivor lap will be at 5:45 p.m. and Luminaria Ceremony at 8:30 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, Relay For Life has raised nearly $7 billion to help save lives from cancer.

In Schuylkill’s first year back in 2024, they raised over $40,000. The goal this year is $50,000.

Visit RelayForLife.org/schuylkillpa to sign up for relay, purchase a luminaria or donate.