Cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters will join together on Friday, May 3 to celebrate victory over the disease, remember the people lost and raise funds for a cure.

Chairman Isaiah Scott said the Pike County Relay for Life is not the culmination of the fundraising efforts – the donations never stop – but it is a time to show support for each other.

“Most people have been affected by cancer in some way,” Scott said. “I’ve personally known several people that have suffered from cancer. Relay is a chance to show that they’re not along. That’s the essence of Troy and Pike County: togetherness. We are all better when we work together. We want to celebrate these individuals, give them their flowers while they’re still here.”

Scott said the Relay for Life will mostly follow the same course as last year’s event, with the exception that the survivor’s dinner has been moved to the day of the relay.

“That’s the one big change,” Scott said. “We want to make it an all-inclusive one-stop shop for everyone.”

The dinner will be at 4 p.m. in the Troy Recreation Center gymnasium directly preceding the relay at 5 p.m. at the Troy Miracle League Field.

Jared Henderson, known professionally as DJ Redd, will provide entertainment during the relay and the Boys and Girls Club will sponsor a kids corner with inflatables and other events to entertain the children.

Scott said everyone is welcome to come to the event whether they are survivors, caregivers, affected by cancer or simply coming to support the survivors and cancer research.

“Each lap you take at relay can be in honor of someone, whether that’s officially or unofficially,” Scott said. “Some people make shirts showing their support and other people can just walk to celebrate the survivors.”

“Bank day” will be held the day before at B. Graves to collect donations from the local relay teams. Scott said donations are welcome to the cause at any time.

“Fundraising efforts don’t end with relay,” Scott said. “This is just another fundraiser. We actively fundraise throughout the year; the relay never ends. It’s never too late to donate or host an event.”

All funds raised go to the American Cancer Society for research into a cure.