This year’s annual event will mark the fourth year in a row that supporters, volunteers, and cancer survivors of Catoosa and Walker counties have come together for one collective event.
“The counties used to hold separate events, but over the last few years, they have merged together for a joint ef-fort,” said Susan Tankersly, one of the event’s coordinators. “We’re really excited about this year’s event and hope to have a great turnout for a wonderful cause.”
The event, which will include musical entertainment, guest speakers, prizes, games, and numerous activities for children, will begin with opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. Friday at LFO’s Tommy Cash Stadium.
“We will kick everything off with a little entertainment at 5 p.m., then the opening ceremonies will take place,” Tankersly said. “A special dinner for cancer survivors and their families will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by spe-cial guest speakers.”
Walker County sheriff and cancer survivor Steve Wilson will say a few words, as will Erlanger at Hutcheson president and CEO Roger Forgey, whose wife has been a survivor for 27 years.
The survivor’s lap will kick off the actual relay walk at 7 p.m., followed by a luminary service to take place at 9 p.m.
The festivities will then continue throughout the night, with closing ceremonies to take place early Saturday morning.
“It’s a great event. It means a lot to so many people, and it will run all through the night,” Tankersly said. “It gives the community the opportunity to come out and support something that may have affected them or someone they love. One in every two men and one in every three women are affected by cancer in their lifetime, so this is a great way to show support and raise awareness for a wonderful cause.”
In addition to the night’s events, canned item donations will be accepted at various drop-off points leading up to the event.
“Not only will we be collecting canned items to donate after the event, but those cans will be used to hold down the luminary bags during the relay,” Tankersly said. “We thought it would be a great way to show appreciation for the donated items by using them instead of sandbags.”
Luminaries will be available for purchase to show support for anyone touched by cancer or a cancer survivor, Tankersly said.
Also, there will be multiple drop-off points for those wishing to make canned item donations. LaDean Shop and Lane Funeral Home in Rossville, Battlefield Imaging in Ringgold, The Bank of Lafayette in LaFayette and Rock Spring, Curves in Chickamauga, Hair Shop in Flintstone, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, and Ringgold Telephone Co. Rossville, Chickamauga, and LaFayette libraries will also be accepting donations as well as the Ca-toosa County Chamber of Commerce.
More information about the event for those wanting to volunteer, make donations, or provide canned items can contact Susan Tankersly at 423-227-6006, Paige at 423-718-4849, or Kim at 423-987-8112.
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