Relay for Life returns April 29, for the 30th anniversary

Jan. 20—Relay for Life is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, April 29.

Organizers announced Thursday’s kickoff that this year’s theme was “A Cure Under The Big Top”. They would use circus and carnival elements to celebrate the lives and fights of cancer patients.

Garry Marchman, Cullman County commissioner, spoke at the kickoff event about his own personal experience with cancer and the importance events like Relay For Life.

Marchman was diagnosed in 2015 with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in his liver, kidneys and liver. His doctors believed that his cancer would prove fatal.

Marchman’s battle with cancer was remission. This is due to the support of his family, friends, and faith.

Marchman stated that if Marchman had been diagnosed with the cancer 25 years ago, it would have prevented me from dying. “But, technology is advanced and you need money to do such things. This is what you guys do… which is to raise money and push things in the right direction.

A survivor’s breakfast will take place on Wednesday 26 April, just in time for the annual walk. In the coming weeks, invitations will be sent to those who wish to attend. However, they are not required to attend. Relay will take places at Deport Park from 5-10:30 p.m.

Helen Allen, Chairperson of Event Team Leadership, said that although teams should register as early and often as possible, they can still sign up to the event on the day.

We encourage people to sign up early so that they have time to raise money and all of the rest. But we won’t turn anyone away. Allen suggested that they might be able to sign up next year if they come the day after.