By Kathryn Reed

STATELINE — Cancer. It’s one of the deadliest words in the English language. But with events like Relay for Life, a cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.

The fifth annual Relay on the South Shore is going on now at Kahle Community Park in Stateline.

Cancer survivors start the South Shore Relay for Life on Aug. 7. Photos/Kathryn Reed

It all began with survivors of cancer making the first lap. Then caregivers followed. Many wore sashes saying which group they belong to. Most were smiling. They clearly had something to celebrate.

It’s all about raising money for the American Cancer Society. Going into Saturday’s festivities that started shortly after 4pm more than $40,000 had been collected.

Fundraising by the various teams, individuals paying $10 to walk and money still to be tallied from Taste of Tahoe could bring this year’s event to about $60,000 – which would be double what was raised in 2009.

Jenn Boyd, who coordinated this year’s Relay for Life, said the plan is to expand Taste of Tahoe next year because of how successful it was. This year 10 restaurants donated a portion of a week’s worth of proceeds to Relay.

People can show up any time between now and 6am Sunday. Relay will be going on all night – signifying how cancer doesn’t sleep. Or listen on KRLT-93.9FM or KTHO-96.1FM – both radio stations plan to broadcast live for part of the event.

Cancer survivor Esther Carlen gets a hug from comic Howie Nave.

The dog walk is from 7-8pm – then all four-legged walkers must leave the park.

Michael Clark and Band will play from 8-10pm.

The luminaria ceremony is from 9-10pm. People write on or decorate paper bags that are then illuminated with a candle. It’s hard to not cry reading about friends and family who have died and about just as many who have survived.

Deep Fried Mojo will entertain the group from 10pm-midnight.

Event organizer Jenn Boyd at work.

A massive Twister game will go on for about an hour starting at midnight.

Coffee and a light breakfast will be available at 5am. Closing ceremonies and awards are at 6m.

To get involved with Relay for Life 2011 or find out more information about it, call Jenn Boyd at (702) 278.1932 or email boydjenn@gmail.com.