Jefferson County Relay for Life will finish the fight on Saturday

By NICOLE HESTER-WILLIAMS

Golden Triangle News Service

FAIRFIELD ? Relay for Life of Jefferson County is gearing up for its ?Finish the Fight? event at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Saturday.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., and the event concludes with a campfire relay at midnight. ?Finish the Fight? was adopted from the national American Cancer Society?s 2014 theme.

?We voted to keep the American Cancer Society?s theme this year because we wanted to remind the community out there that it takes all of us to finish the fight,? said Kortney Heald, co-chairwoman of Relay for Life of Jefferson County. ?Cancer is no respecter of persons.?

Relay for Life is now 15-teams strong, and has raised more than $11,000 to date for its cause. But Heald said that they need more financial support from the community.

?At this time, we are below our fund raising goal,? she said. ?I would just really encourage the community to support if they can; we really need them.?

Donated funds go to support cancer research, survivor recovery, support programs as well as Hope Lodges around the country.

Hope Lodges provide cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when travel is necessary during treatment.

?The Hope Lodge in Iowa City is a prime example of what the American Cancer Society does,? Heald said.  ?It?s a really awesome program.?

The festivities, which are scheduled to run 12-hours, will include music, entertainment, special appearances, themed laps, children?s programs and a variety of food vendors.

Barnyard Billy will be strolling the event as well.

?We?ll have food vendors and entertainment; we really want to try to encourage walkers to stay for the entire day, because once they leave, they usually don?t come back,? she said.

Heald?s co-chairwoman, Emily Cox said she?s looking forward to the event as well.

?I?m just excited to see what the day brings,? Cox said. ?We definitely want to raise awareness for the community.?

Relay for Life is personal for Heald and Cox as both have had loved ones with cancer-related illnesses.

?I lost my father-in-law and a friend,? Heald said. ?I am thankful for the research that the American Cancer Society supports; it?s because of that research that my mother survived cancer,? she said.

At least 40 cancer survivors are slated to participate in this year?s event.

?Any other interested cancer survivors who would like to participate can contact me by Thursday,? Heald said.

In addition to the relays, food and entertainment, several ceremonies are scheduled to take place.

?The Luminaria Ceremony is very important,? Heald said. ?It?s a time that we reflect and remember those who have lost their battle to cancer.?

The luminary bags, which can be purchased for $5, will line a pathway that the participants will walk down during the ceremony.

The event will also include a quilt raffle, a calendar raffle and though they won?t be cutting hair at the event, anyone can donate to Locks of Love in support of the American Cancer Society.

?If anyone is interested, they can go to their own beautician and have their hair cut,? Heald said. ?They can take a before and after photo and contact me by Thursday to be included in the event.?

For more information, contact Heald at 319-695-5461.