POULSBO — There are more than 10 million cancer survivors in the world today and that number is ever-growing as medical and technological advancements are made in the fight against the deadly disease.

However, the cure won’t come cheap.

Across the country, the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life events have raised millions of dollars for the fight against cancer, and starting at noon today, the North Kitsap community will be walking to add wealth as the 2006 Relay for Life takes to the North Kitsap High School track.

“When you recognize the advances we’ve made, the real important part is that, still, one out of three people are going to be affected by cancer. The numbers are indisputable,” said event co-chair and two-time cancer survivor Mel Bird. “That’s 100 million people that will be affected by cancer … the numbers are huge.”

That’s why this year’s event is aiming to raise a huge number of it’s own: $150,000.

With 48 teams registered and more people pledging everyday, Bird said the event — which raised just over $112,000 last year — will definitely meet and likely surpass it’s goal.

Between 500 and 600 participants are expected to lace up their shoes for the event, Bird said, including 100 cancer survivors.

“I’ve lost family members and a very dear friend in August 2004 to multiple myeloma; I’ve been really affected by cancer and that’s why I have a passion for this event,” said That’s What Friends Are For team captain Linda Schow. “I just really want to see an end to this dreaded disease, and this is one way that I feel like I can do my part.”

The Relay kicks off at noon today with an opening ceremony followed by a survivors’ lap and caregiver lap it’s just on automatic,” Bird said. “During the day, we’ll have a series of hourly events to include some laps.”

A bubble lap and pajama lap are among the special events planned for the Relay, and at 3 a.m., there will be a pizza box toss lap, followed by a 4:30 a.m. backward lap.

But the luminaria event at 10 p.m. Saturday is the highlight of night, Bird said, as the NKHS stadium will be aglow with candles in honor of the fallen and the fortuitous.

“(People) can come any time they want to come walk with us, and we encourage as many people as possible to come out to the luminaria event, that’s the key event,” Bird said.

Closing ceremonies for the 2006 Relay for Life will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday.