Madison County Relay for Life
/Story & Photography by Chelsea-Catherine Croom
On Friday, May 12, local residents joined together at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Madison County at the Farmers’ Market to raise funds and awareness in an effort to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer. Many teams acted as food vendors at the event and provided a delicious variety of items for the other attendees to purchase and enjoy.
Relay for Life was proud to partner with The Amp to kick off their 2017 season with a free concert by the Kimberlie Helton Band.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, the Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. They “celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.” Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event. Funds raised at the event will help the American Cancer Society provide free information and support for people facing the disease today and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations. Thanks to the generosity of their donors, the Society has invested more than $4.3 billion in research since 1946, and it has funded more than 20,000 scientists at more than 1,000 institutions nationwide.
In addition to the support of the community, Relay For Life of Madison County is also supported by many local businesses and organizations. This year’s event was presented by Kirkland Cancer Center. Other sponsors included Tennalum, Bodine Aluminum, JEA, Bluescope and The Jackson Clinic. Visit RelayForLife.org/Madisontn to learn more about next year’s event, to get involved or to donate.