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MURFREESBORO – The effort to eradicate cancer continues locally as the date has been announced for the 2025 Relay for Life of Hertford and Gates counties.

Event organizers say this year’s Relay will be held Friday, Sept. 5 at Squirrel Park on the campus of Chowan University in Murfreesboro.

It is worth noting that this global fundraising event originated with one individual on a high school track in Tacoma, Washington in 1985.

“We are pleased to participate in celebrating 40 years of Relay for Life this year. We invite you to join us in this celebratory year filled with events,” stated Rochelle Harrell, one of the organizers for Relay for Life of Hertford and Gates counties.

Harrell said those locally who wish to become involved in Relay can learn more by visiting

www.relayforlife.org/hertfordgatesnc. Through the website there is an opportunity to join a team or register as an individual. Participation in fundraising and volunteering does not require team membership.

“Additionally, we encourage cancer survivors and caregivers to visit our website or call the toll-free number (800-227-2345) to register,” Harrell said. “For those unable to attend the main event, there are other ways to participate, so we encourage you to inquire about these opportunities.”

The local Relay event is coming off a successful campaign in 2024 where 22 teams, 150 registered participants, and 54 registered survivors were involved. A total of $226,801.65 was raised last year for the American Cancer Society.

“We express our sincerest appreciation to this community for your support throughout the 2024 Relay year,” Harrell said. “The money our community raises is used to fund research grants, fund services such as the Cancer Support Line (800-227-2345), Road to Recovery, The Hope Lodge in Greenville, and much more.”

This year’s Relay begins at 6 p.m. Among the traditional activities are the Survivors Lap, the Caregivers Lap, the Kids Walk, and the luminary ceremony.

“Your participation and support is key to our event success, so please join us as we celebrate our survivors and caregivers, remember those family and friends we have lost, and fight back to fund a cure,” Harrell noted.