Members of the community gathered to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have died from the disease, all while raising money to support those still battling it at Friday’s annual Christian County Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is an organization dedicated to supporting local individuals fighting cancer and their families during the treatment and recovery process. Relay Committee Member Pam Futrell says the nonprofit provides funding for cancer research, rides to treatment appointments, Hope Lodge stays and wigs for those undergoing chemotherapy.
Futrell became involved with Relay in 2013 when she and two of her sister-in-laws decided to make a team. She says many of her family members have been impacted by cancer, and Futrell later joined the nonprofit’s planning committee following her own cancer diagnosis in 2015.
During her battle with cancer, Futrell says she had an amazing support system, which led her to become more involved in the non-profit to support others in their battles against the disease.
Friday marked Christian County’s 33rd relay as well as the 40th anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s first Relay for Life. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Destination: Cure,” and to celebrate it, Futrell says they had little hot air balloon lanterns that honored those who survived cancer and remembered those who have died from it.
Relay’s 2025 fundraising goal is $80,000, and by Friday night, they were at $57,247. Futrell says they plan to keep fundraising until the end of the year. Those interested in donating can reach out to Futrell through Christian County Relay for Life on Facebook.
