Editor’s Note: This is the first of a multi-part series leading up to Suffolk’s Relay for Life on May 18-19.

An old saw of motivational speakers everywhere goes that “teamwork makes the dream work.”

However, it is perhaps most true when it comes to Relay for Life. The Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for Life will be held May 18-19 at Bennett’s Creek Park.

“We are always looking for more teams,” said Ginny Lee Melton, the chair of the Suffolk Rockin’ Relay. “Relay is a great thing to do with your community that you live in, with your church, when your work, just with a group of friends. It’s a very unifying experience when you’re all working together to raise money for something that’s so important.”

The goal this year is to get 80 teams registered, Melton said. With about two months to go, only about half that have registered.

“We would love some more teams,” Melton said. “It’s a great way to honor your community, to be a part of your community, and it’s a great way to give back to people who have been touched or might be touched by cancer.”

Of course, anyone is welcome to participate individually and come to Relay for Life alone, Melton said. But teams can help each other raise money, provide motivation and split the duties of decorating their tents, among other things.

Teams have formed around specific people who are fighting cancer or who lost their battle to cancer. Many workplaces, churches, organizations and groups with similar interests also form teams. Last year, even a group of skateboarders formed a team.

“It’s definitely a way to honor anyone in your life, whether it be yourself or somebody you care about in the fight against cancer,” Melton said.

Teams can register at www.suffolkrockinrelay.org or by coming to a team captains’ meeting. There still is plenty of time to register.

Team captains’ meetings are held at King’s Fork High School and are set for April 2, May 7 and May 14 at 7 p.m.

In addition, Melton said, survivors and caregivers are encouraged to register, whether or not they choose to be on a team.