Relay For Life is the world’s largest volunteer-based fundraising event and the signature event for the American Cancer Society. For more than 36 years, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones, and take action for lifesaving change.

On May 10, 2024, the Limestone community will join the fight with its annual Relay for Life Limestone County. Much more than a fundraiser, the event is also a time for celebration as the fight against cancer gains ground each year — meaning that every Relay locally and throughout the world are important not only to the global effort to end cancer, but to each of us individually, said Cherry Hammonds, Limestone Relay’s lead organizer.

“The unfortunate situation is that all of us have a relationship with cancer, whether it’s a relative, friend or someone we know,” Hammonds said.

And Relay events are all about those relationships, she said, both celebrating those currently in their struggle against cancer, and remembering and honoring the memories of those who the disease has claimed.

But the real takeaway from the events is the outcome, Hammonds said.

“We’re making a difference,” she said. “And this event is open to the entire community to join us in making that difference as we celebrate and fight against cancer.”

Typically Relay events are composed of teams that often spend most of the year fundraising for the effort. But at the annual capstone Relay For Life event, everyone — adults and children, alike — can participate as the celebration takes on a carnival atmosphere with live music, food and special, touching events such as the survivors dinner and walk — and Luminaria Ceremony where all gathered take time, as the sun sets and luminary bags are lit, to remember those lost to cancer.

Event details

Welcome to the Relay For Life Community where we celebrate our survivors, remember those we have lost, and fight back as a community to end cancer.

Event location

Athens SportsPlex 1401 US – 31N.Athens, Ala. – Children’s Dugout Area.

Rain plan location

The Event Center —14 Pryor St W Athens, Ala.

Please bring bag chairs, sunscreen and fun attitude to enjoy a fun-filled night for our survivors, caregivers and teams.

Kids playground and games available.

Food will be available for donation and also there will be food trucks on site.

What to expect

At Limestone’s Relay For Life you’ll find community members, our neighbors, taking turns walking around a track lined with the luminaria bags. You’ll have the opportunity to cheer for local survivors (or participate as a survivor) in our first lap of the day. Caregivers of cancer patients (currently or previously diagnosed) will then be invited to join the Survivors. Local entertainers will keep you energized. As it gets dark, we will light the luminaria bags surrounding the track in a memorable luminaria ceremony. There will be opportunities to fundraise and fight back.

What are the basics to know?

– Relay For Life Limestone County runs from 5- 10 p.m. at Athens SportsPlex 1401.

US – 31N – Athens, Ala. – Childrens Dugout Area.

– Rain Plan The Event Center — 114 Pryor St W Athens, Ala.

– Food will be available for purchase throughout the entire event.

– Upon arrival, follow the direction signs and drive slowly to a parking spot.

Celebrate — cancer survivorsRelay kicks off by celebrating our local cancer survivors. Organizers encourage you to invite friends and family currently living with cancer or survivors to attend and join in the celebration.

All attendees of the event are asked to line the track during the survivor lap and cheer on our survivors.

Pro tip: Bring noise makers, pom-poms, anything you bring to a pep rally to cheer those survivors on.

Celebrate — Caregivers

After the Survivor Lap, caregivers are invited to join the survivors. A caregiver is a friend or family member that helped a person with cancer, regardless if they are still with us. It may even be a healthcare worker.

Attendees are again asked to line the track and cheer for our caregivers.

Remember — Luminaria Ceremony We will take time to remember those we have lost to cancer and reflect on the journey of those who have survived.

As the sun sets, Relay teams help light pre-made luminaria bags that are dedicated in honor or in memory of a loved one.

Individuals can make a donation to support loved ones or for the ceremony.

Fight back

We come together as a community to fight back against cancer. Invite your family and friends to attend the event and support you and your fellow Relayers fundraising efforts.

Commit to finding ways to fight back against cancer.

Event checklist

– Sunscreen

– Hat

– Sunglasses

– Umbrella (Relay is rain or shine)

– Extra Clothes

– Comfortable Shoes & Extra Shoes

– Cash for shopping.

What Not to Bring

– Tobacco and Alcohol

– Pets (Aside from Service Animals)

Schedule of events

5 p.m. — Survivor Dinner

6 p.m. – Presentation of Colors – Athens High School ROTC

– Anthem

– Opening Remarks

– Survivor Walk

– Care-giver Walk

– First Responders Walk

– Team Walk

6:30 p.m.— Red Carpet Survivors

7 p.m. — J-Class Band

8 p.m. — Violet Femmes Purple Parade

8:15 p.m. — Purple Hand Dance

8:30 p.m. — Scavenger Hunt

8:45 p.m. — Zumba

9:15 p.m. — Luminary Ceremony

9:45 p.m. — Closing Remarks

10 p.m. — End of Relay

Frequently asked questions for teams and others Is this a run?

No, Relay For Life is a community based walk event. While your event may have opportunities to run the track, we encourage teams to take turns walking the track.

What do I need to bring with me to the walk?

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Please bring any donations you have to turn in. Strollers, wagons, walkers and wheelchairs are all welcome on the walk. Don’t forget to wear your Relay Purple!

Are animals permitted?

Only properly documented service dogs are allowed at the event.

I would like some Relay For Life merchandise, how do I purchase it?

Relay For Life merchandise is available for sale on our online store. You can visit acseventstore.org.

What does the American Cancer Society do?

The American Cancer Society is a volunteer driven, staff supported 501C-3 non-profit organization with the vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. With over 1.5 million volunteers nationwide, the ACS attacks cancer from every angle through cancer research, education, advocacy and family services. Find out more by visiting cancer.org or calling 800-227-2345.

ACS facts

– $5B invested in research since 1946.

– 3.2M patients served in the last decade.

– 16.9M cancer survivors alive today.

– 1 million-plus cancer screenings in underserved communities.