Members of the Franklin County Relay For Life Committee will be painting the town purple during the month of April to promote cancer awareness in the area.
Committee members have been working since their kick-off in January to promote cancer awareness in the community and this Monday, they received some help from Russellville Mayor David Grissom as he officially proclaimed the month of April as the Power of Purple Month for the city of Russellville.
“Cancer affects so many people in our community,” Grissom said.
“I have personally supported the Relay For Life for many years and as mayor, I am glad to show my support for this great cause through this proclamation.
“We appreciate the work of all the volunteers who make the Relay For Life in our county a success year after year. Their hard work and dedication have no doubt helped many people right here close to home.”
The Power of Purple Month is something the American Cancer Society does to help spread awareness about how cancer affects so many people in all different walks of life.
“Cancer can affect anyone at anytime and that’s why it is so important to raise awareness,” said Belinda Johnson, who is a cancer survivor and also serves as the Relay For Life event chairperson for Franklin County.
“The purpose of the Power of Purple Month is, of course, for awareness, but it is also to let those cancer survivors in our community know that we care about them and that we are fighting to find a cure so that no one else has to face this disease.
“We want them to be able to drive through town and see purple ribbons on businesses and homes and know they haven’t been forgotten.”
Megan Lovelace, who serves as a community representative for the American Cancer Society, said that the ACS helps many people right here in the area.
“Many people do not realize that the money raised here to support the ACS is actually used to benefit people who are living here, too,” Lovelace said.
According to the ACS facts, the American Cancer Society served 489 local individuals with 1,797 patient programs and services in 2012.
Lovelace said that means that people right in the area have been helped because of the funding that has been raised through events like the Relay For Life.
In conjunction with Power of Purple Month, the Brookewood and Friends Relay For Life Team will be selling purple ribbons for $10 that businesses and individuals can display to show their support in the fight against cancer.
Jolene Stockton, who serves as the chairperson of the Brookewood and Friends team, said she and Betty Sibley started their neighborhood team five years ago as a way to raise even more money for the American Cancer Society since both women have been directly affected by cancer.
“This purple bow fundraiser is a great way for people to show their support for our Relay For Life event and for the American Cancer Society and all those affected by cancer,” Stockton said.
Johnson added it was also a good way to honor the memory of a loved one lost to cancer or to honor a survivor who won their battle or someone who is still fighting.
“We’ve had a lot of support for this fundraiser in the past and we just encourage everyone countywide to paint your communities purple in support of the fight against cancer.”
Anyone in the community who is interested in showing their support for Power of Purple Month by displaying a purple bow at their home or business can contact Stockton at 256-332-0748, Sandy Montgomery at 256-332-9157 or stop by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in downtown Russellville.