The annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life will be held in Woburn tonight and tomorrow—rain or shine.

Nearly 300 walkers will take part in this year's event, which begins tonight at Library Park. The walkers have already raised $44,000 and are hoping to raise another $14,000.

Relay for Life Schedule

Friday, May 18—

6 p.m. Event begins, opening ceremony

6:15 p.m. Cancer Survivors’ Lap – more than 70 cancer survivors will walk the first lap to kick-off the event

6:30 p.m. Cancer Survivors’ Reception

9:30 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony - lighting of 500 candles to honor survivors and loved ones lost.

Saturday, May 19—

5:30 a.m. Closing ceremony

Why people walk

According to the American Cancer Society, the Relay For Life gives people and communities "a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease."

Click here for photos of last year's Relay for Life: IMAGE GALLERY: Woburn's Relay For Life (2011)