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MURFREESBORO – Relay for Life of Hertford-Gates is a local American Cancer Society event aimed at raising awareness about cancer, supporting survivors and caregivers, and honoring those who have lost their battle.

This year’s event will take place on Friday, Sept. 5 at Chowan University in Murfreesboro. Forming a team to participate in the event is an effective way to gain support and increase awareness. This encourages others to join your fundraising efforts and participation.

You might be concerned that forming a team is demanding; however, a team can consist of a single individual or multiple members. You may recruit individuals such as family, friends, classmates, teammates, co-workers, among others, who would make excellent companions in combating cancer. Consider your personal motivations and inquire about theirs.

“I firmly believe in the power of community,” stated Meredith Long, Captain of Chowan University’s SAAC Team. “Coming together as a community to support those who have been affected by cancer is a vital step in the fight against this vicious disease. Cancer is far reaching, it touches so many whether those diagnosed, those who are in remission, those in the midst of battle, those who we walk in memory of, and those who serve as caretakers for those in treatment, everyone is connected through this vicious disease so its equally important to connect in a positive way to fight this disease, to honor those who have passed on, and to do our part as a community, whether big or small.

“I love Relay for Life and the impact that it has in our local community, our region, and our country to help those fighting against cancer. Somehow, some way what we do together matters to those who we love and cherish,” Long added.

“In my lifetime, I’ve seen cancer go from an automatic death sentence to, in more and more cases, a treatable disease,” noted LaDonna May-Barnes, Captain of A Family of Affair Team. “This did not happen by accident. This was made possible by critical research, which the American Cancer Society is one of the largest funders, second only to the federal government.”

“I Relay for my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law and nephew who have all had cancer. Both my brother and father were sent home on hospice when there was nothing left to do,” said Jennifer Cobb, Captain of Waves of Hope Team.

“I relay…my nana had stomach cancer, my mom had pancreatic cancer, my dad had colon cancer, and so many family and friends that fight cancer. We do relay as a family for we want to kick cancer to the curb,” said Barbara Wommack, Co-Captain of Angels Among Us Team.

According to Hertford-Gates Relay officials Patty Hale and Hope Barnes, a Relay Team signifies collective efforts to demonstrate support, raise awareness, generate funds, celebrate, remember, and fight against cancer. Teams may comprise various groups, including churches, schools, businesses, families, friends, organizations, and clubs.

Although being unable to attend the event in person might seem like a barrier to forming a team, it is important to note that teams are not required to have a designated site at the event. It is entirely appropriate to walk around and offer support to others. Nonetheless, Relay officials encourage new teams to consider establishing a site as it provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with survivors and caregivers while potentially contributing additional funds to support the cause.

To create a team, you can register individually or as a group by visiting www.relayforlife.org/hertfordgatesnc. To join this Relay, sign in with your email and click “Next” (or use Facebook, Apple, or Google). Follow the steps listed below:

First & Last Name

Password

Create Account

You will then be prompted to answer some questions.