It’s hard to put into words just how important it is to never give up, and of course one of the biggest parts of never giving up is having hope – and that’s what thousands and thousands of volunteers working with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event help provide to all those battling cancer. WEIS Radio News recently spoke with Melissa Culpepper about Cherokee County’s annual Relay for Life event – which features one of the finest line-ups of live entertainment and activities to come together in years, and is just around the corner:
Putting together the annual event, and the fundraising activities that go hand-in-hand with it, require dedicated volunteers who put forth tremendous effort and dedicate untold hours to making a real difference in the lives of those struggling with any of the many forms of the dreaded disease.
Last year, Cherokee County raised $48,964 for Relay for Life; unfortunately, this year, funds have been harder to come by, with the goal of $50,000 far from being met:
And remember, much of that money stays here to help residents of Cherokee County.
A number of items are being sold this year to help raise money including helium balloons in different colors representing the different types of cancer; colorful pinwheels, covered with personal messages; luminary bags and more.
Each of these items may be purchased in honor of or in memory of someone battling cancer and of course, donations of any size are welcome anytime.
A list of the Cherokee County Relay for Life Teams, along with contact information has been posted below
We encourage you to contact anyone on the list and do what you can to lend a helping hand – we also urge you to join in at Friday’s Relay for Life event, at the Cherokee County Warrior Football Stadium starting at 6:00pm
For additional information on Cherokee County Relay for Life activities contact chairperson Charlotte Grimes by calling (256) 504-1824.
Team Angela / Charlotte Grimes (256) 504-1824
Cherokee County High School Cheerleaders / Julie Graves
Kerr’s Redi-Mix / Berry Kerr
Cherokee Medical Center / Denise Puckett (256) 706-7077
Centre Fire Department / Robby Moon
East Centre Baptist Church / Dot Trammell
Alexis Women / Katy Reese
Team McKenzie / Brandi Green
Gaylesville High School / Mary Blankenship
Cherokee EMS / Tina Laney
Providence Baptist Church / Anita Horton
Regions Bank / Jennifer Paul
Team David / Edna Jolly (256) 475-3330
Team Turtle/Jerry / Melissa Culpepper (256) 630-7470
First Baptist Church (Centre) / Joyce Gilliland
Cedar Bluff Rockers / Mattie Williams (256) 473-1557
Fairview Church / Jamie Lipscomb
At Relay For Life events, communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. The funds you raise truly make a difference in the fight against cancer just ask one of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year!
Relay For Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track or path at a local high school, park, or fairground. Events are up to 24 hours long, and because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times.
What Is Relay For Life?
In more than 5,200 communities and 20 countries, Relay For Life events comprise the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each Relay For Life event is special to its community, but the movement’s true power lies in the combined commitment of thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer.
Why We Fundraise
Every year, the Relay For Life movement raises more than $400 million. The American Cancer Society puts these donations to work, investing in groundbreaking research in every type of cancer and providing free information and services to cancer patients and their caregivers. We’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer, in your community and everyone else’s.
Relay Events for Everyone
We appreciate all of our Relay For Life participants and celebrate the uniqueness of everyone who is interested in helping make this cancer’s last century. There are many ways to get involved through a variety of Relay For Life events, including those in local communities, on campuses, in cyberspace, and on a global level. There’s even opportunities for canine companions to participate!
What Makes a Relay Event Special?
Many moments create the unique Relay experience. Event details vary by location, but all events have key moments in common:
Survivors Lap
During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.
Luminaria Ceremony
The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.
Fight Back Ceremony
This emotionally powerful ceremony inspires Relay participants to take action. The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.
History of Relay For Life
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.