Photo courtesy of East Jefferson Relay for Life.
The Relay for Life raises money for cancer research and honors local survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer.
The East Jefferson Relay for Life returns this April but at a new location and new time. On Friday, April 22, those currently fighting cancer, survivors, caregivers, family and friends will gather at Spare Time Trussville on Roosevelt Boulevard from 4:30 p.m. until midnight to help raise money for the American Cancer Society and cancer patients. Last year’s event was on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“We chose Spare Time Trussville due to the wonderful facility (indoors and outdoors) and their willingness to partner with us, and it is a centralized location for all communities in East Jefferson,” said Elizabeth Pridgen, a local volunteer with Relay For Life. “Our hopes are that more participants from East Jefferson County will join us for this celebration.”
Cancer survivors, defined by ACS as anyone who has ever heard the words “you have cancer,” are invited to the Survivor and Caregiver Dinner on April 17 from 5-7 p.m. at the Trussville Civic Center and sponsored by the Trussville Civitan Club.
The Relay for Life event is a time for the community to come together and walk or run the track to raise money for cancer support through ACS. The event kicks off with a Survivor Lap at 6 p.m. and will include a luminaria ceremony later in the evening where candles are lit in honor or memory of those affected by cancer.
Live entertainment will include the Clay-Chalkville High School Cougar Choir, Nashville Bound, Raquel Lily, Peter Francks, The Blue Devils, Mr. Leonard Watkins and Pyrite Parachute.
Phillip Acton and his daughter Callie will serve as honorary co-chairs for the event. The father/daughter duo were both diagnosed with cancer with in the last 14 months.
Luminarias can be purchased on site or ordered in advance by visiting relayforlife.org/eastjeffersonal or via email at EastJeffersonALRelay@gmail.com, or call 918-3239.
