Relay for Life set for May 5 in Franklin County
By Staff
John Hicks FCT Staff Writer
On Friday, May 5, Franklin County residents will have a chance to honor cancer survivors and the memories of those who have passed away from the disease.
The 2006 American Cancer Society Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. with a Survivor's Celebration at the Russellville High School cafeteria.
Thousands of Franklin County residents unite every year to raise money for the ACS. Some of the money raised stays in Franklin County, while another portion goes toward cancer research.
Local churches, businesses, clubs and civic groups sponsor teams that take turns walking around the Tiger Stadium track throughout the night.
Many special events are connected to the relay, such as yard sales and other fundraisers. The Second Annual Relay for Life Open Bass Tournament will be held at Cedar Lake on Saturday, April 29.
Woodall reminded the public that no one without an armband will be admitted to the stadium. Armbands are available at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in downtown Russellville, or from any team member. Armbands may also be purchased at the gate on the night of the relay.
Candle luminaries are also available through team members and the chamber of commerce. Each candle-lit bag bears the name of a cancer survivor or honors the memory of someone who suffered from cancer.
The cost of a white bag is $5. Gold bags are $25 each.
There will be games, contests and music in addition to the relay itself.
Woodall asked everyone to bring a new hat to this year's relay. The hats will be worn for a special lap and then donated to the ACS's “Look Good, Feel Better” program.
At the conclusion of the “Hats Off to Survivors” lap, participants will toss their hats in the air, graduation-style.
Free cosmetic kits are provided during these group sessions, which teach women how to deal with skin changes and hair loss.
The program is also sponsored by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation and the National Cosmetology Association.
The next “Look Good, Feel Better” meeting will be May 1 at the Russellville Hospital Education Building on Gandy Street. Those who would like to participate in the program need to register by calling the ACS at 767-0825. The ACS is also looking for cosmetologists and skin care professionals who would like to volunteer.
Relay participants can also vote for the best-decorated mannequin in the “Look Good Lucy” contest. Each vote cost 25 cents.
Relay for Life has become the biggest event of its kind in Franklin County.
Approximately 24 teams will be participating in this year's walk, including 42 members from Clark Pulley, who will be sponsoring a team for the first time.
The captains of the various teams have met several times to discuss ways to motivate their team members.
The goal for this year has been set at $115,000.
A special celebration will mark the twentieth anniversary of the national Relay for Life program in addition to a host of musical performances throughout the evening.
A quarter drop will once again be held during the event as well.
Another popular way to donate to the cancer society is through the purchase of candle luminaries. The luminaries can be bought in honor or memory of someone who has suffered from cancer by contacting the Chamber of Commerce office.
This year's activities will also include a care givers' lap for those who have made sacrifices to take care of cancer patients.
That is what exactly what led Clark Pulley to get involved.
