This year's relay will no doubt an emotionally-charged one for Michelle Long and her family.
Although it won't be the first time supporting the community cause to fight cancer, the initial steps onto the track will be taken for the first time without her brother by her side.
Adam 'Simmo' Simpson died of a brain tumour in November, 2018. He was 40 years of age and had battled his disease for 15 years. Hundreds were at his funeral.
He discovered the tumour after an MRI scan was done after he was kicked in the head playing soccer. Renowned surgeon Charlie Teo was the first to operate, and following another four operations, a difficult time was soon realised.
Adam died at the age of 40 in his family's Alfords Point home, cared for by his mother Rhonda, a nurse.
In the past two years, his family have showed support not only for Adam's journey throughout the years, but for others facing life without a loved one taken by cancer.
At Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda, on May 4-5, will be a strong force of united support, tackling the 24-hour relay in honour of a son, brother, uncle and friend.
Adam's youngest sister and team organiser, Michelle Long, says this year will be a challenge.
"As a family we were feeling like this year's Relay for Life would be too much and too soon," Ms Long said.
"But, over the last few months, we have had so much support from so many people who want to walk with us in the relay to honour Adam - it's been amazing.
"Adam was a passionate supporter of brain cancer research.
"I think taking part in the Relay for Life is a way of keeping his memory alive for all of us and we want to do him proud and show him just how much he meant to all of us."
She has rallied up a strong-hold of about 30 team members, all walking for Adam, day through to starlight.
The aim is to try to keep one team member walking or running on the track at all times.
"There's so much build up to each relay," Mrs Long said. "It's mentally and physically draining. I don't sleep the whole night. Last year I did a live Facebook post at 4am, then watched the sun rise.
"My kids do the laps with us, my mum makes her sausage rolls. We decorate our campsite with t-shirts and a little purple ribbon garden, and signage for the kids to hold. We'll have wristbands in the Sharks colours of black and blue because they were Adam's favourite team.
"Then at night we'll have fairy lights. We will have a raffle drawn on the night, it's only a few dollars but it's going to a place where it makes a difference."
A community coming together as one, is inspiring, she says.
"We make friends with people around us. It's so nice to walk around to the sites when you're doing laps and see everyone's take on it. They've all got their stories to tell and why they do it," she said.
Also walking in unity for Adam, his father and Sutherland deputy mayor, Steve Simpson, with wife Rhonda and other daughter Lisa Thomas.
He says he is proud of his daughter for leading the team.
"I'm just hanging on the side, it's all Michelle's work," he said. "This will be the first time we will do the event without Adam so of course we will miss him.
"I'm going to keep going on the day for a long as possible."
Mrs Long's friend Kristen Eeles, who is also on the team, will go a step further and shave her long hair in memory of Adam.
Adam joined in the last two Relays for Life at Don Lucas Reserve, knowing his time was running out but wanting to help others.
In 2016, he walked both days and last year he helped set up the team's base.
"In the first year, we raised $7000, and we were blown away, that was awesome. Last year, we raised over $17,000."
This year their goal for the Cancer Council is higher and as a lead-up to the event, Ms Long and her sister Lisa Thomas decided to hold a a trivia night at Club Central Menai on March 22.
"We thought we would be going to get 80, but it has sold out, with 290 people coming," she said.
"We are overwhelmed so many people want to join together to celebrate Adam, enjoy some laughs and raise as much as possible for the cause."
Ms Long said while Adam's absence from this year's event would be a source of sadness, his family and friends believed there was "still much to celebrate about the man who inspired everyone with his strength and resilience in a long journey with brain cancer".
Donate to Adam's team here
