For Heather Ruel, the fight against cancer is something close to her heart.

Now two years cancer-free, Ruel had been diagnosed with the same breast cancer as two of her aunts.

“They both had lumpectomies [the surgical removal of a tumor] for the same cancer, on the same breast,” Ruel says. “I didn’t have to do that, thanks to the advancements in cancer research over the last ten years.”

And this is why Ruel is leading the efforts for another Relay for Life at Old Rochester Regional High School. Although the event won’t be until June, the planning committee is holding its first meeting Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember those who lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay For Life is an overnight event that lasts up to 24 hours.

In addition to the Relay, a "Luminaria Ceremony" takes place after dark to honor those touched by cancer and to remember loved ones lost.

Since the first Relay in 1985, more than $4 billion has been raised for cancer research, patient programs and scholarships.

Ruel said last year’s relay pulled in $84,000 from 16 teams.

“That’s just incredible,” she says. “New Bedford has around 100 teams raising $100,000 or more. We have a lot of participation from Mattapoisett, but we’re looking to get more from Marion and Rochester as well.”

This year’s goal? $85,000 or at least $100 per team member.

Ruel says, however, that the 2012 Relay depends on the committee meetings that start in November. For one hour a month, at the committee plans the event, find sponsors and entertainment, and works with teams to raise funds. This year marks Ruel's second year as Chair of the committee.

“Anyone can be on the committee,” Ruel says. “We have a nine year old kid that comes to the meetings. He comes with his mom and is a part of the committee. He raises so much money on his own too, in memory of his grandpa. It just goes to show how volunteering is an amazing thing.”

Six people are on the committee now, but Ruel says there is always room for more.

“This isn’t about recognition. It’s about being a part of the community,” Ruel says. “[The Relay] is just fascinating. I’ve never seen anything like it. Attorneys, kids: Everybody’s coming together. It’s magical.”

More information, contact the Relay for Life committee at tritownrelay@comcast.net.