Relay kicks off

Photo by Alison James
Blessed sang for attendees to the kick-off.

A baked potato dinner, a performance of “Amazing Grace,” a miniature luminaria ceremony and a few special recognitions – it was all part of the special kick-off event for Franklin County Relay for Life.

The annual Relay event is in May, but now teams, coordinators and other participants will be hitting the fundraising and preparations full force. Teams from across Franklin County gathered at the A.W. Todd Center last Tuesday to open this year’s Relay season.

The guest speaker for the evening was breast cancer survivor Kelly Askew, who spoke of her diagnosis and treatment, sharing freely about the fears and concerns shared by nearly all those who deal with cancer. “I have been involved in a breast cancer support group,” Askew shared. “We meet once a month and just talk and share our stories. It really helps us to have someone to go to who has been through what you’re going through.”

Relay is all about just that kind of support, in addition to raising money to find a cure. Local coordinator Anna Duncan thanked all the teams for their hard work and dedication in trying to find that cure. “We do this because we have all been touched by it,” Duncan said. “Together, we want to make a difference.”

In particular, several people and groups received special recognition for their efforts: Tonya James,
Civitan Club accepted by William Stone and Barbra Flemming

Following a glow-stick luminaria ceremony, a singing group Blessed from St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church sang “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).”

Franklin County’s Relay for Life will be held May 5. This year’s theme is Defeat All Cancers.