Amy Bochman doesn't sweat the small stuff anymore.

The Rapid City wife and businesswoman, who survived invasive breast cancer, says she now enjoys every single day.

"I am truly thankful to be alive," she said.

Bochman will join other cancer survivors at the annual American Cancer Society's Pennington County Relay For Life Friday at Sioux Park in Rapid City.

"I don't dwell on the little things that just don't matter any more," Bochman said. "I am so appreciative of the support system (friends, family, and co-workers) that surrounded both my husband and me during the battle."

The Relay For Life event celebrates survivors, honors those who have lost their lives to cancer, heightens awareness of the issue and raises money for such expenses as research, treatment options, patient services, advocacy, education, and 24/7 cancer care center services, Bochman said.

A survivors' reception will be 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the opening ceremony, survivor walk and team introductions at 6:30 p.m. The annual luminaria ceremony will be at 10 p.m.

Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the night.

"I simply cannot convey the devastation both my husband and I felt when I first was diagnosed," Bochman said. "I was so frightened. I thought, 'I'm going to die.'"

But with the support of others, Bochman made it through.

"As I completed that first chemotherapy session and was leaving the cancer center, a nurse friend, Mary, came up to my husband and I," Bochman said. "She had come for a chest X-ray on her 10-year breast cancer anniversary, which was that very week. She sat in the lobby with us and told us all the positives. It was wonderful to have that survivor discussion."

Bochman said the annual Relay For Life event is a chance for her and other survivors to celebrate life.

If you go

What: American Cancer Society's Relay For Life

When: 5:30 p.m. Friday to 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9

Where: Sioux Park, Rapid City