BAKERSFIELD, CA - Preparations are underway for the country's biggest 24-hour cancer fundraiser.
Organizers of Bakersfield's Relay for Life, say more than $1 million has already been raised for cancer research.
So far, 290 teams have registered for the event, with nearly 4,000 participants.
Survivors say it's a time to come together and make Relay for Life even bigger.
It's also an event that helps Lisa Sadro, a two-time breast cancer survivor. This year, she and her friends have their own team.
"We're called the "Breast Friends" because we're all best friends and it's breast cancer. We just thought it was the cutest thing," said Sadro.
After she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2010, Sadro quit her job and decided to give her kids her undivided attention.
"At the end of the day, I don't want to say that I've worked all my life. I want to say that I've experienced life with my kids and I was there. I was part of their school.I was part of their after school sports. I never missed a game. That's the stuff that's important to me," Sadro continued.
"She's the strongest lady I know," said Ashley McMahan, Sadro's best friend. "Everything that she's gone through, she's done it with a smile and kept everyone in awe of her. She's an amazing lady."
Cancer survivors say Relay for Life makes you realize how precious life is and that cancer research is not over.
"Everybody in one way or another is going to benefit from the research that's being done whether it's you, your family member or your best friend," said Patsy Romero, breast cancer survivor.
"2,900 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Kern County this year, but we'll see fewer people die of cancer this year. So, it's another amazing testimony to the advances we're seeing in research," said Brittney Neal, American Cancer Society.
ACS says research is critical to cancer patients and survivors.
"We're going to finish the fight and we're going to keep moving forward because that's our passion and mission to celebrate more birthdays and have a better world and better future that's cancer free," Romero continued.
Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the survivor's lap starting at 10 a.m.