For the 11th year, South Enders will walk for the cure on June 22 and 23.

The annual Relay for Life event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Friday at South Whidbey High School’s Waterman Field. Registration starts at 3 p.m.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer in the community.

At the event, participants celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and help the American Cancer Society in its mission to save lives, help those who have been touched by cancer and empower individuals to fight the disease.

Survivor Bill Curtis has been participating in Relay for Life since 2000. He has had multiple surgeries to fight his cancer and said working with American Cancer Society keeps him motivated.

“I want to get the word out and share my story,” Curtis said.

“No smoking, no alcohol and go to your check-ups. That’s what I want the younger folks to know,” he said.

During the event each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track all through the event.

But Relay for Life is much more than a walk around a track.

It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived. Survivors are honored during the Survivors’ Lap and participants will remember those lost to cancer during the Luminaria Ceremony.

“It’s important to honor those who have gone before us,” Curtis said. “I know many who have gone to Relay with me and have died of cancer in the last year or so. It’s important to honor them.”

The money will be used for research and education.

“There is hope for people,” Curtis said.

The event will conclude at noon on Saturday with the closing ceremony.

Each year, South Whidbey’s Relay for Life sets a goal. For this year, the organizers want to raise $55,000, Curtis said.

Curtis has his own personal goal: to maximize the participation of survivors.

He also said there are still more teams needed to walk.

“For some reason, we’re slow on teams this year,” he said.

It’s not too late to sign up as a team or donate money. Participants can be part of the event by registering and paying a small fee; survivors walk for free.

For more information go to www.acsevents.org/relay/wa/southwhidbey.