This year’s Relay For Life in Franklin County will take place this Friday, May 2, at the RHS Stadium in Russellville.

Year after year, hundreds of people from across Franklin County come out to support the annual Relay For Life event because, for many of the participants, fighting back against cancer is an issue that hits particularly close to home.

But even if a person hasn’t been directly affected by cancer, either personally or through a loved one, event chairperson Belinda Johnson said every single person across the county is needed to help this worthy cause.

Johnson said Franklin County has traditionally been a stronghold when it comes to supporting the Relay For Life each year, but recent years have seen a drop-off in participation that can’t be afforded when new cases of cancer are being discovered by the minute.

“We need Franklin County to step up and come support the Relay For Life,” Johnson said.

“Since 2011, we have seen a decline in the participation in Franklin County, which can be attributed to several factors, but I would like to share why I make Relay a priority once a year.

“I am a nine-year survivor and without funding for cancer research, I might not be here today. And I have an uncle who I know would not be here today if it was not for an American Cancer Society researcher and the medication that he developed.

“I see people every day being diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment and help that was not available in the past because of the American Cancer Society.

“The ‘Look Good, Feel Better Program’, the ‘Road To Recovery’, and the Hope Lodge in Birmingham are just a few of the programs that our local citizens have been able to utilize because of the money we raise at Relay.”

And besides her personal experiences with cancer and her first-hand knowledge of what ACS-funded research and programs can do for cancer patients, Johnson said the Relay For Life goes a long way just in terms of morale for cancer patients, survivors and care givers.

“The Relay For Life itself is an inspiration and motivator for those who are actively going through treatment,” she said.

“We want a record number of people at the Relay For Life this year to line the football track and cheer on those who have fought the good fight and those who are currently struggling in the fight.”

For Russellville residents Jim and Sandy Montgomery, their involvement on the Franklin County Relay For Life Committee and as team captains of the Brookewood and Friends Relay team also stems from personal experiences.

“We have always supported the American Cancer Society and Franklin County Relay For Life, but we joined the Brookewood and Friends team the year after my mother passed away from cancer,” Sandy Montgomery said.

“After that we became more involved with Relay and we learned more about the ACS and what all they do for cancer patients.

“Then, in 2009 Jim was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and after receiving treatment, we are proud that he is celebrating his fifth year of being cancer free. We know how much the ACS and Relay For Life can help and are proud to say that we are supporters.”

Jolene Stockton said her introduction to the Relay For Life came from love and concern for someone else.

“Over 18 years ago, a precious little boy named Will Scott was battling cancer and my desire to support his fight was the start of my journey with Relay,” Stockton said.

“The next year my husband was diagnosed, and now he and Will are both remembered during the luminary ceremony each year.

“I have family, friends and neighbors that are fighting this fight now and seeing them gives me a reason to keep up the fight to raise money and find a cure. Every dollar helps with research, treatments and services to those who are our survivors.”

This year’s Relay For Life in Franklin County will take place this Friday, May 2, at the RHS Stadium in Russellville. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. including the singing of the National Anthem, colors presented by the RHS JROTC, and the Survivor’s Lap.

Following the Survivor’s Lap, entertainment will be provided by Rewind. The Luminaria Ceremony will take place at 9 p.m. where luminary bags lining the track will be lit in memory or in honor of those who have fought or are still fighting cancer.

“We want to keep Relay For Life alive in Franklin County to always remember those we have lost and honor their memory as well as support those who are still fighting,” Johnson said.

“We never know when cancer will knock on our door and we need everyone’s support to help the people in our community, in our church, in our workplace, and in our families fight back against cancer.”