The fight against cancer remains strong in the community, as the 2010 Brandon Relay For Life will take place once again this summer at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.

The eighth annual event is always a popular one with locals, who walk, run or stroll around a track to raise funds in an overnight event for the Canadian Cancer Society. The money that is raised goes directly to funding services research and advocacy.

Relay executives held their annual kickoff late last month and committee chair Kyla Henderson says this year's event is similar to that of years past but was quick to point out that all non-profit organizations have to do a facelift now and then to keep interest.

“It's still a great relay but it's just going to be a little bit bigger and a little bit more exciting this year,” said Henderson.

This year will consist of much more happenings throughout the night to keep people interested when they're not on the track. There will also be a mini-market for shopping lovers as well as a number of new surprises for survivors.

Changes to the “survivors' lap” or first lap of the relay were implemented last year. Previously, the lap consisted of only the cancer survivors but the loved ones have since joined the survivors. This received a positive response from the community and it will once again be a focal point of the lap this year.

“When you're diagnosed with cancer, it doesn't affect one person, it affects the whole family,” said Henderson.

Also, a new ceremony called “Fight Back” will happen at midnight. Henderson says it is a light-hearted way of kicking cancer in the gut so to speak. There will be boxing demonstrations at that time as well as piñatas set up for people to let out their frustrations on the disease.

Last year, the Relay For Life in Brandon raised more than $70,000 for the fight against cancer. Participation levels dropped dramatically last year to the tune of 42 teams taking part, down from 63 teams in 2008.

Teams can now pick up their kits and start pledging for the event. Prizes are awarded to teams who receive the most pledges. You can register online now at www.cancer.ca/relay or you can pick up your team kits at the local Canadian Cancer Society office at 415 First Street.

The Relay takes place Friday, June 4.