Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly, Cherry Hammonds with the American Cancer Society in Huntsville, and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks signing a proclamation declaring Friday, May 8, 2020, as Relay for Life Day in Athens and Limestone County
ATHENS-Despite COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, teams that make up Relay for Life of Limestone County are working to honor and remember those impacted by cancer.
The countywide Relay for Life event was supposed to be held Friday, May 8, with all the teams setting up tent sites, celebrating the campaign year and walking laps in memory or honor of someone with cancer. The event usually draws large crowds.
Cherry Hammonds, senior community development manager for the American Cancer Society in Huntsville, suggested that instead of the large event, volunteers could conduct a luminary ceremony and share it via social media live streams. On Friday night, a handful of volunteers will place luminaries with names of those who have or are fighting cancer on the Limestone County Courthouse steps. In case of rain, the volunteers will place the luminaries on the steps inside the Courthouse. Volunteers will use glow sticks for the luminaries, not candles.
In addition, the outside Courthouse lights will be purple in honor of Relay for Life. The ceremony will begin at 8 p.m.
On Thursday, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly met with Hammonds and signed a proclamation declaring Friday, May 8, 2020, as Relay for Life Day in Athens. The following is the proclamation:
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates for 2020 there will be 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,520 cancer deaths in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society estimates for 2020 there will be 28,570 new cases for selected cancers and 10,530 deaths for selected cancers in the State of Alabama; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society fights to find cures for all forms of cancer, provides information on prevention and treatment, and supports research in the fight against all forms of cancer; and
WHEREAS, the American Cancer Society funds hundreds of cancer-related research grants in the United States, including 8 currently in the State of Alabama that equal an investment of over $4 million dollars; and
WHEREAS, Relay for Life encourages individuals, businesses, and community groups to fundraise for the American Cancer Society and educate citizens in Athens and Limestone County; and
WHEREAS, money raised during local Relay for Life campaigns provide cancer patients with a 24-hour informational hotline, support programs, lodging assistance, guidelines for screenings, and more; and
WHEREAS, our communities are impacted daily when families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers are diagnosed with cancer; and
WHEREAS, the City of Athens and Limestone County Commission support Relay for Life by allowing employees to volunteer on teams; and
WHEREAS, Relay for Life of Limestone County will host a luminary ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2020, at 8 p.m. to honor those who have and are fighting cancer;
Now, therefore, I, William R. “Ronnie” Marks, Mayor of Athens, and Collin Daly, Commission Chairman of Limestone County, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2020, as Relay for Life Day in Athens and Limestone County and urge all citizens to educate themselves about cancer prevention and treatments and support finding a cure.
