Hundreds of local residents will soon join together in an effort to raise funds and awareness for those suffering from cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Cleveland County will take place at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds on Friday, May 17, 2019. Entertainment starts at 4 p.m., and the opening ceremony will be at 6 p.m. A survivor reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. in Goforth Hall.
"The relay is open to the public. We encourage everyone to come join us to help put an end to cancer!" says Robin Earwood, who serves as co-chair of the Relay for Life of Cleveland County along with Alice Kale.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington, DC, in 1985, the Relay For Life movement is the world's largest fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Uniting communities across the globe, the organization celebrates people who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost, and helps participants take action for lifesaving change. During Relay For Life events, members of each team take turns walking or running around the track or path. Teams participate in fundraising in the months leading up to the event.
Funds raised 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 the group's donors, the society has invested more than $4.5 billion in research since 1946 and has funded more than 20,000 scientists at more than 1,000 institutions nationwide.
"Relay For Life brings people together for a common cause - fighting cancer," says Earwood. "The money raised from the CCRFL will go to help the American Cancer Society's mission to eliminate cancer through education, advocacy, research and services."
In addition to the support of the community, Relay For Life of Cleveland County is also supported by many local businesses and organizations.
For more information about Relay for Life of Cleveland County, visit RelayForLife.org/clevelandcountync or contact Sam Hodges at 704-299-1991 or sam.hodges@cancer.org.

By April Hoyle-Shauf, Special to Community First Media