The start of a new year means the start of a new Relay season across the country.
Relay For Life of Carter County is ready to hit the ground running with the first team meeting of the year, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2, at 6:45 p.m. at the Medical Care office in Elizabethton.
“We can always use the new blood,” Kathy Thomason, publicity chair for the group, said with a laugh.
Relay For Life has a special place in the heart of Thomason, who added that she has lost two loved ones to cancer and recently learned of two more that were diagnosed.
“One of my good friends was only 30 years old when she passed away,” Thomason said. “She was battling it for three years and left behind a loving family … that’s the reason why I still Relay. There’s still a fight against cancer.”
Relay For Life raises funds for the American Cancer Society to help combat cancer across the country. Locally, the county branch held their breakfast event at FATZ and Charity Odom, co-chair of the County Relay For Life, said the event ushered in a good start for the new Relay season.
“I thought our kickoff event did very well,” she said. “We also want to thank FATZ. We appreciate them for letting us use the restaurant for the opening event.”
Charity’s husband, Greg, also co-chairs the group and seconded the sentiments about the event.
“We had a pretty good turnout,” he added. “The numbers seemed to drop off a little, but the excitement was still there. Everyone seemed ready for this year’s event.”
2017’s theme is entitled “Passport to Hope.” With a new theme in place, the county group will hold their annual Relay For Life event on Friday, June 23, at Brown-Childress Stadium on the T.A. Dugger Junior High School campus.
“I think it is a great location,” Greg said. “We were able to facilitate a lot of our survivors with parking and access to restrooms and seating. We’re already looking forward to the upcoming events with some fundraisers coming around the bend. Last year, we were able to get some help with the venue thanks to Rick Walters allowing us to use the sound equipment.”
Various fundraisers are on the horizon, but Greg added that individuals looking to get involved, whether as a volunteer or looking to start a team, are encouraged to come out Thursday evening.
“We have a place for anybody looking to get involved,” he said. “Everybody either has a family member or someone they know that has been diagnosed with it. We’re excited about growing the group for this year. There are different ways to get involved, and we’re more than happy to help with anybody looking to help.”
Individuals looking to get involved but unable to make it to Thursday’s meeting are encouraged to either contact Thomason or Mr. and Mrs. Odom. More information can also be found online at relayforlife.org/cartertn or the Relay For Life of Carter County, TN Facebook page.