Over the next few weeks, the global fundraising effort against cancer known as Relay for Life will be making its return to a number of Foothills communities, and it’s not too late to sign up and get involved.

The 24-hour fundraising walk has become a local staple, bringing together the communities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario and Upland – just to name a few – to honor cancer survivors, remember those who have lost their battle, and continue the active fight against the disease.

Over the next few weeks, those interested have a few more opportunities to join a team, raise funds and support the underlying cause of Relay for Life.

The Relay for Life of San Dimas begins at 9 am, May 31, at Horsethief Canyon Park, 301 Horsethief Canyon Road, in San Dimas.

The following weekend, The Relay for Life of Rancho Cucamonga will begin at 9 am, June 7, at Cucamonga Guasti Regional Park, 800 N. Archibald Ave., Ontario.

Relay for Life of Upland is set for 9 am, June 14, at Magnolia Park, 651 W. 15th St., Upland.

Relay for Life is all about supporting a global cause locally, said Upland Relay for Life Event Chairwoman Jenny Torrey.

“We try to get the whole community involved one way or another because it’s a really special event and it’s for a really good cause,” Torrey said. “We try to raise as much as we can every year. Last year we raised about $30,000.”

Teams involved camp out overnight and take turns walking – or running -- around a track. With the event’s motto as a reminder, “Because cancer never sleeps,” each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.

There will be plenty of ongoing activities throughout the event, including music, food and the signature luminaria lighting ceremony, where Relay for Life participants and donors remember loved ones lost to cancer and honor those battling the disease.

Beyond raising funds – more than $5 billion since its inception – and moral support for survivors, the event aims to raise awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support.

At its core, the goal is simple: bring people together from all walks of life with the common goal of eliminating cancer. Visit http://www. relayforlife.org/ for more information on upcoming and future events and how to join the effort.