The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers to recruit fund-raising teams, gather community support, coordinate logistics, plan entertainment and lend a hand to ensure the success of the 2015 Pike County Relay For Life fundraising and awareness campaign.

Two meetings have been planned for Troy and Pike County this week, and anyone interested in participating on the planning committee for the 2015 Pike County Relay for Life is encouraged to attend.

The initial interest meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. today at Momma Goldberg’s Deli on the square in downtown Troy, and the second meeting will be at noon Wednesday at Momma Goldberg’s.

Relay For Life is a fun event that brings together families, friends, businesses, hospitals, schools and faith-based groups to celebrate the lives of those who have had cancer, remember those who lost their battle, and fight back against the disease, said Joy Brigham, Relay for Life specialist.

“The annual Pike County Relay for Life campaign supports the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well and by finding cures and by fighting back against cancer.

“One in every 100 Americans participates in this fundraising event that has become a global phenomenon. Relay For Life is the community’s chance to unite in the fight against cancer and support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

“Volunteers and participants who are willing to give their time and energy to this exciting event are making a commitment to let our community know that cancer can be defeated.”

“Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event that empowers communities to fight back against cancer and save lives,” Brigham said. “We invite and encourage anyone who is interested in being a part of the fundraising and awareness efforts for the 2015 Pike County Relay for Life campaign to attend either one of meetings at Momma Goldberg’s. There are many opportunities to serve.”

Those who cannot attend a meeting, but would like to join the Pike County Relay for Life fundraising and awareness campaign as a volunteer or team participant may call the American Cancer Society at 334-790-0372 or visit RelayForLife.org/pikeal.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer-death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer, and countless more who have avoided it, will celebrate more birthdays this year.