Hundreds of local residents will participate in the 2008 Relay for Life in support of those who have survived cancer, are battling cancer and in remembrance of those who have been lost to the disease.

The Collingwood Relay for Life takes place at the Great Northern Exhibition from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., from Fri., June 21-Sat., June 22. The event raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Karen Galipeau is captain of a team for the second year in a row. Last year, the team consisted of 15 members and raised more than $2,600.

This year's team is made up of 25 local residents and is called Life for Lucas, named after 14-year-old Lucas Ackermann, who was diagnosed with cancer when he was 12.

Galipeau first attended the Relay for Life three years ago with her husband, who was playing the bagpipes at the event. She was "overwhelmed when she saw the cancer survivors' victory lap around the track.

"It was so emotional and touching that I had to put a team in," she said.

Galipeau said she has had a number of close friends and family members who have been diagnosed with the disease.

Rosemary Ackermann, Lucas' mother, said the 14-year-old was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had his thyroid removed. She said he didn't have to go through chemotherapy treatment, but did receive radioactive iodine treatment.

"He has a good chance of survival," she said.

She says her son is very active and "growing like a weed," but says some days are tougher than others.

"He tires a lot easier than a lot of his peers," she said.

Despite the emotional toll it has taken on her family, she feels it has brought them closer together.

"As a parent, you don't want to hear children have cancer," she said.

Lucas is a member of the Life for Lucas team along with a host of other residents, including Natalie Ackermann, Emilee Bennett, Nancy Brooks, Diane Camilleri, Nancy Denbok, Cynthia Galipeau, Gloria Gatti, Lois Jones, Heather Materson, Ashley Mead, Kelly Michie, Tristin Morris, Alyssa Muller, Charlena Muller, Sarah Nicoll, Gord Peregrine, Laura Price, Stephanie Reilly, Jamie Ryan, Jacqueline Shiels, Yvonne Shirton Fahey, April MacLean, Emily Irwin, Amanda Wright and Terry L Wright.

For more information on the event, click the link provided.