To educate people about American Cancer Society's Relay for Life a social mixer is set to kick off on Thursday in Willows.

According to Terri Hancock, the event chairwoman, Relay for Life is coming to Willows but the dates are not decided. She however stated planners were planning for sometime in early June.

During the Thursday event basic rules information and team packets will be given out.

Relay for Life is a walk-a-thon and 24-hour noncompetitive relay which helps the participants to help fight the deadly disease and also remember the loved ones while honoring survivors.

Hancock who lost her father to the deadly disease is on a personal mission to help raise cancer awareness and funds for research to combat the disease.

According to the estimates given by the Cancer Society more than half a million people died in the United States in 2009 from cancer and about 1.5 million new cases would be diagnosed.

The ACS informed that this event is the largest fundraising event in the entire country and it is held in 3,000 communities nationwide.

Hancock said, "This is a celebration that brings together neighbors, friends, work associates, and families to celebrate those who have survived cancer and remember those who have not.”

Information also stated that this year besides the Survivor Lap and Luminaria Ceremony there would be a balloon release called ‘Messages to Heaven.’

For more information contact Dedra Marotta at dedra.marotta.i2c5@statefarm.com or call (918) 223-6576.