Bulloch County Relay for Life donations have passed the halfway mark, and teams will be competing Friday night to see who can raise the most money to help reach the goal.

As of Thursday, team members had collected $59,448 toward the $115,000 goal, according to the Bulloch County Relay for Life Facebook page. Collections will continue for three more weeks, but the Relay event at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds is expected to result in a huge push toward that goal.

The Relay begins at 6 p.m., with a cookout meal for survivors and caregivers beforehand. Cancer survivors will register, and then the walk kicks off with a Survivor Lap, with survivors who are able walking or riding around the track lined with luminaries.

The luminary lighting ceremony begins at 9:30 p.m., and the white bags containing tea light candles will glow in remembrance of those who have lost the battle against cancer or in honor of those who have survived.

Teams will set up "camps," each reflecting a theme based on a different Disney movie, as the general theme this year is "Wish Upon a Cure." The camps are decorated, and teams offer games, food, drinks and other items as ways to raise money for cancer research and awareness.

"Relay for Life is a time for communities to come together and celebrate the courageous survivors, remember loved ones lost, and encourage those that are currently fighting cancer," said Lori Wiggins, cancer survivor and co-chair of the event along with Chris Wiggins.

"The 2018 Bulloch County and Georgia Southern University Relay for Life leadership team has worked hard this year to make this an opportunity for unity, and we are excited to help the American Cancer Society make a positive impact," Chris Wiggins said. "The battle against cancer cannot be fought alone, and we are very lucky to be a part of a community that values teamwork. We have a lot of great things scheduled, and the community teams have really stepped it up this year with their involvement."

During a kick-off dinner earlier this year, Lori Wiggins shared thoughts about her own ordeal with Barrett's Esophagus, a precancerous condition that caused her to temporarily lose her voice and have trouble breathing and caused her esophagus to almost become separated from her stomach.

Later, she was diagnosed with skin cancer as well. Wiggins spoke of her faith and determination as she endured multiple surgeries and challenges in her battle against cancer.

"What I have to deal with isn't as bad as what a lot of you have to deal with," she said.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend the Relay event. There is no admission charge but numerous ways and opportunities to donate to the cause. There will be entertainment throughout the night as well.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.