The 2005 Polk County Relay for Life, scheduled May 13-14 at Nathan Dean Sports Complex, Rockmart, provides a way to celebrate the achievements of cancer survivors.

It starts at dusk and ends at the next day’s morning. The light and darkness parallel the physical effects, emotions and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment. According to volunteers, this is the reason they become involved in teams and fundraisers for the American Cancer Society’s Relay.

Sue Lewis, Relay co-chair, has encouraged everyone to think of cancer survivors and that the May event is a way to honor them. “We want to honor all cancer survivors in Polk county by having them walk in the opening lap of the Relay for Life.” For information about participation, call Sue at 770-684-3569 or 770-324-0619.

The Relay for Life will begin with a reception for survivors at 5:30 p.m. May 13. Following the welcome at 6:45, the survivors walk will begin at 7:30. “We relay to raise money, but we also relay to celebrate life,” Lewis said. “The first lap of the Relay for Life is led by cancer survivors who wear t-shirts declaring that they are winning.”

A caregiver’s walk will be held and the parade of teams will be presented at 7:45. Plans are to provide a variety of performers during entertainment at 8 p.m. The luminary service will be at 10 p.m. Luminaries are $5 each and can be purchased from team members or at the Relay.

For information, call Ginger at 770-684-1424 or 770-843-5173. A male beauty contest will be held at 11. Activities will continue until the closing service will be at 10 a.m. May 14.

“Everyone is working hard to raise funds to reach the $165,000 goal set for this year’s event,” Sue said. “We have many volunteers (individuals and teams) who are sponsoring special fund-raisers.”

The Relay will involve teams of 10 to 15 people taking turns walking or running around the track, relay style, for the duration of the event. It is a noncompetitive, team-building activity. Participants from the community come from businesses, industry, churches, schools, neighborhoods and other organizations – any group wanting to join together to fight cancer.