Grand Rapids, Sparta hold Relays for Life | News

PARK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) -- It was a beautiful night to spend under the stars, and that's what many people in West Michigan Friday night to raise money for cancer research.

Two Relay for Life events were underway Friday. In Grand Rapids, 40 teams are taking laps around Ah Nab Awen Park. Sparta was also holding its relay behind the middle school.

Relay for Life is a 24-hour walk held every year in communities across West Michigan as a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Participants say it helps in the battle against cancer.

"We're here to support them and to support everybody that's down here," says Mandee Rick, event chairwoman for the Grand Rapids relay. "It supports our cancer survivors, our caregivers, and just anyone whose been affected by cancer."

"To be able to have that support and be here and to celebrate it is very wonderful," says Heather Gluszewski, a cancer survivor.