In less than a month, hundreds of community members will come together to keep up the battle against cancer.
The Relay For Life of Carter County chapter is preparing for the annual all-day event — Friday, June 23 at T.A. Dugger Junior High — to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Friday will include various activities, including the survivors and caregivers lap, along with the luminaria ceremony.
As the days get ever closer, Relay For Life of Carter County Publicity Chair Kathy Thomason said the organization will have one last large fundraising initiative before the night.
“We’re gearing up for our roadblocks this weekend,” Thomason said. “It will be Saturday and we’ll have different volunteers all in different locations, including Stoney Creek, Roan Mountain and Hampton. The roadblocks are scheduled to last from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. but some areas may go a little bit longer.”
Volunteers will be positioned with purple buckets to accept donations that go toward helping assist with cancer research. Thomason added that volunteers will also be handing out information about June’s event.
The overall purpose of the roadblocks is to raise money for ACS and with Sunday being a day to recognize cancer survivors, Thomason said this week means a ton to the organization.
“We are an event of hope,” she said about Relay For Life. “It has a special meaning and our survivors mean so much to us. Their battles weren’t easy. Around two weeks ago, we had a survivor’s dinner and we had some people that had survived cancer for over 45 years and have gone through three or four different diagnoses. This is why we do what we do. Cancer isn’t just a death sentence anymore. We see the progress that’s being made and this is something that means a lot to us and has affected everyone in one way or another.”
With over 20 days to go, the Relay For Life of Carter County has raised $14,810.31 and Thomason added the group is going to continue working hard to wrap up the 2017 Relay season on a high note.
Faithful Family and Friends has been the top fundraising team with a total of $2,795 — surpassing their goal of $1,000. Right behind the group is Cancer Crushers in second with $2,469 and rounding out the top three is Donna’s Dream Team with $2,412.
While Thomason has noticed a little decline in teams, she’s encouraging any past teams or any individuals wanting to come out during the all-day event to do so.
“Whether it’s a group of people that want to help, or a business, we would love to have you,” she said. “Even if it’s just a family game you charge a quarter for, encourage people to come out and set up during the evening to help raise money for the cause.”
Another important piece of the all-day event is the luminaria ceremony, where bags honoring individuals that went through bouts of cancer are lined up down the track.
The cost for a bag is $5, Thomason said. Bags can be picked up at any Edward Jones Investments office in town. While individuals can purchase a bag the day of, Thomason highly encourages pre-purchasing.
For more information, type in Carter County Relay For Life on an online search engine to be properly directed to the organization’s local website. Thomason can also be reached at Kathy.Thomason@edwardjones.com or by calling (423) 543-1181.