The Limestone County Courthouse is lighted purple in honor of Paint the Town Purple Week in Athens and Limestone County.

Athens and Limestone County leaders are encouraging the public to get passionate about purple next week.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly signed a joint proclamation Friday naming May 5–11 as “Paint the Town Purple Week” in Athens and Limestone County. The proclamation encourages citizens to participate in Relay for Life activities, educate themselves about cancer prevention and treatments, and support finding a cure.

“I daresay everyone in our community knows someone who has battled cancer,” Marks said. “It means a lot to me that our city has supported having a Relay for Life team since 1999. Relay for Life is more than raising money. It’s also about raising awareness and supporting those in your community.”

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate increased from 49% in 1975 to 69% in 2014. The American Cancer Society is funding 11 grants at Alabama universities this year, totaling $5,598,250, with focus on a variety of cancer-related issues such as glioblastoma, HPV, breast cancer, pediatric oncology, brain cancer and preventive screenings.

In addition to research, the American Cancer Society provides cancer patients with a 24-hour informational hotline, support programs and more.

Limestone County’s teams do projects throughout the year such as gift baskets for patients undergoing chemotherapy, blood drives, collecting cola tabs for Ronald McDonald House and sending holiday cards to survivors.

To further honor those affected, the courthouse will be lighted purple during the month of May.

“Cancer has in some way touched all of our lives, and the commission is honored to light the Limestone County Courthouse Relay for Life purple during the month of May to honor the ones who we have lost to this terrible disease and to celebrate the survivors,” Daly said.

Here are activities scheduled during the week leading up to Relay Night:

● Monday, May 6

Dan Williams Memorial Blood Drive

Athens City Hall, 200 W. Hobbs St.

11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Conducted by LifeSouth. Donors must be age 16 or older (those who are 16 must have written parental consent). Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Drink plenty of water prior to donating. Donors will receive a free cholesterol screening and gift. The 20th donor will receive a gift bag from the City of Athens Relay for Life Team.

● Monday, May 6

The Ester Jernigan Survivors Dinner

Limestone County Event Center, 114 W. Pryor St.

6 p.m.

Survivors and their caregivers will enjoy a free meal and inspirational message by Ben Labaree of Corvettes Conquer Cancer. There will also be door prizes for survivors.

● Tuesday, May 7

Bank Night

First National Bank on U.S. 72 at Lindsay Lane

5-7 p.m.

All the teams participating in Relay for Life of Limestone County will turn in what they have raised this campaign year and pick up their Relay shirts.

● Friday, May 10

Relay Night

Sportsplex on U.S. 31

6 p.m. to midnight

Opening ceremonies will start at 6 p.m. with posting of the colors, the national anthem, and Why We Relay testimonials. Survivors will then walk a lap, followed by caregivers, teams, and first responders and military. There will be live music by Trippin’ Dixie and other activities throughout the night. There will be a moment to honor those fighting and to remember those who fought. Teams will be raising funds through various food and item sales.