July 15 Franklin County Relay for Life Committee Members met to reflect on the most recent Relay for Life and begin to look forward to next year’s event.

In 2016 $106,000 has been raised for the American Cancer Society. Coordinator Anna Duncan said Aug. 25 is the deadline to have money turned in to count toward the 2016 season.
New for Franklin County this year was the location – downtown Russellville instead of Russellville High School.
“Overall the Feedback has been positive about the move to downtown,” Duncan said. “There are few logistical issues we need to address, such as stage placement versus team placement and the location of the stage itself. It was generally agreed to use the downtown location again for 2017. I think everyone can agree that with the time we had to work with in making the move happen, it went fairly smoothly.” The change was necessitated because of the renovation to the RHS track during the time of Relay for Life.
Even though Relay for Life is “over,” summer events are in full swing, and passionate Relayers are invited to keep fighting back against cancer all summer long. One challenge, which runs until Aug. 8, is for each registered participant to raise an additional $100 – winning a selfie stick for their efforts.
The National Relay For Life Launch will be Aug, 19-20 at the Mall of America. Relay for Life is currently selling stars to be part of a 50,000 star art exhibit at the Mall of America. “These stars are in memory of or in honor of loved ones,” Duncan said. “You purchase one online at relayforlife.org for $10,” or see a Relay for Life committee member to fill out a hard copy order. Orders must be turned in by Aug. 5.
Coaches versus Cancer will be a new effort at the high school and rec league level; it has been a successful fundraising effort on the collegiate and national level. “Traditionally it has been basketball-oriented, but it is opened up to any sport now,” Duncan said. “It has been endorsed by the basketball coaches at Alabama and Auburn.” Local coaches who would like to involved their teams in fundraising can get involved in this way.
“As September approaches, we are looking at how best to launch the new season,” Duncan said. She encouraged all those who are passionate about Relay for Life to reach out as volunteers – Road to Recovery drivers, volunteers to host mobile cancer resource centers in the area and candidates to become Look Good Feel Better certified.