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The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Covington County invites the community to join the movement to honor and remember loved ones and fight back for lifesaving change Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. on the Covington County Courthouse steps.

Relay For Life is a community of survivors, caregivers, local citizens, volunteers, and participants who believe that the future can be free from cancer and own the power to make that change.

“We share a passion to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer,” said Kay Franklin with the American Cancer Society. “In 2022, almost 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Thanks to that shared passion, the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society can’t be stopped, ensuring we are here for everyone who needs us.”

According to local event lead Catherine Rider, the work ACS does through Relay events makes a difference.

“The work that ACS does through Relay events is beneficial to members of our community directly through resources like Hope Lodge, providing rides to patients’ appointments, and other patient and caregiver outreach programs. We are so excited to finally get back into community fundraising to support the American Cancer Society,” Rider said.

For more than 35 years, Relay For Life has joined communities together to remember loved ones lost, honor survivors of all cancers, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer. Dollars raised each year by over 500,000 Relay participants across the country help attack all cancers in countless ways – funding and conducting breakthrough research, providing education and advocating for the needs of cancer patients and their families, and providing essential services throughout their cancer journey.

The organization was unable to hold a Relay walk this year but is excited to hold a ceremony in honor and remembrance. Luminaria will be sold for a minimum donation of $5 each. The luminaria will have the names of loved ones featured on them and will be lit during the ceremony.

Luminaria forms may be picked up from team members, the Relay for Life Facebook page, or by calling or texting 334- 658-4402.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, in 1985, the Relay For Life movement unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.