Members of the community gathered to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who have died from the illness and raise money to support those still battling cancer at Friday’s 32nd annual Christian County Relay for Life.
The relay took over the Hopkinsville Sportsplex where hundreds of luminaries were set up to honor both victims and survivors of cancer. To start the opening ceremony, Martha Steil from this year’s relay committee thanked attendees for their work in raising money to support those in the county battling cancer.
The funds relay raises go toward patient transportation to and from doctor appointments, gas money and hotel rooms for patients, raising awareness and research for a cure. Since its inception, Steil says relay has raised over $3.2 million.
Following the opening ceremony, those with someone close to them who died as a result of cancer walked a silent lap around the track. Then cancer survivors walked a lap and shared how many years they have been cancer free.
Relay committee member, Pam Futrell shared that she was happy with the evening’s turnout and the participation she saw for the walks.
Relay’s 2024 fundraising goal is $80,000; by Friday night they were at $62,070. Futrell says they plan to keep fundraising until December.
Those interested in donating can reach out to Futrell through Christian County Relay for Life on Facebook.
