Donna Adams and Cynthia Wilson share a lot–they’re cousins, have optimistic outlooks on life, and they’re both cancer survivors.

They’re also both involved with Dearborn’s Relay for Life, and will be continuing a 25-year tradition of relaying in various cities on Sunday, May 12, at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center when they continue the fight toward finding a cure for cancer.

“Relay for Life and other organizations have really improved things,” Wilson says of their continual support of the organization, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society. “People are living longer.”

“And living better,” Adams adds.

It helps to continue the fight that the two women are very clear on why they do what they do: love for themselves, and the people in their lives.

“We’re relaying for family, ourselves and friends,” says Adams.

Along with herself and Wilson, both women’s mothers, Adams’ grandmother, and multiple friends have had cancer.

“We just don’t want our children to go through what we went through,” she explains.

So in addition to raising thousands of dollars over the years–last year they brought in $2,353–they make cancer education, screening and prevention a family matter.

Family members are their teammates, their donors, and their sources of inspiration.

“People need to learn more about being tested for the gene,” Wilson says. “I encouraged my daughter to be tested, because it’s a very important way of fighting cancer–your own personal fight.”

But just as important as an individual’s efforts, she added, is the work being done by Relay groups across the country.

“There’s a lot to relay for,” Wilson says. “Testing, family, funding, medicine.”

Adds Adams, “We relay for life.”

Dearborn's Relay for Life event takes place from 10 a.m. May 12-10 a.m. May 13. To date, nearly 400 participants have raised more than $35,000. Visit their website to donate, learn more about the event, and see more personal stories from cancer survivors and their supporters.