April 13, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
For 22 years, residents of this community have gathered at Green Brook Park to celebrate cancer survivors and remember many who have lost a battle against cancer.
This year is no exception. However due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the date for the 23rd annual DeKalb County Relay for Life has been changed from Friday evening May 1 to May 29 with the opening ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Organizers are hoping the coronavirus threat has passed by then and the park can be open for this important event.
Meanwhile, the annual Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Reception Dinner scheduled for Thursday, April 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church Gym has also been postponed due to COVID-19.
The goal for this year’s DeKalb Relay for Life is to raise at least $50,000 for cancer research and patient services.
Funds have already been pledged and donated for this year’s Relay for Life and you too can join the effort by sending your contribution today to Iva Dell Randolph at 787 Keltonburg Road, Smithville 37166.
“We feel like our community has really made a difference and we are so appreciative to all who have participated over the years. We encourage you to help support this,” said Randolph.
“During this difficult time, cancer won’t stop; and neither will the American Cancer Society. Our mission matters more than ever. The needs of people facing cancer continue and so does our work. Cancer patients still need support. Because cancer research can’t stop. Our 24/7 helpline can’t stop. Where we can, we’re continuing our services to get patients the care and support they need. We stand together, even when we’re apart. Learn how you can help. Call 800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org,” said Marlene Delong, Senior Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest fundraising event to fight every cancer in every community. Rallying the passion of 4 million people worldwide, Relay For Life events raise critical funds that help fuel the mission of the American Cancer Society. The ACS is an organization whose reach touches so many lives – those who are currently battling cancer, those who may face a diagnosis in the future and those who may avoid a diagnosis altogether thanks to education regarding prevention and early detection.
In addition to assisting DeKalb County cancer patients with services and informational support, the American Cancer Society currently has $8.5 million in cancer research projects here in Tennessee. That research is performed at facilities like Vanderbilt Medical Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Because of these research facilities, Tennessee typically receives more funds in research grants than is raised by Relay events throughout the state.
Randolph said the American Cancer Society also offers the Hope Lodge program in Nashville which provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment, and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver.
“If you are undergoing treatment you can go to the Hope Lodge and stay the night if needed. If you have a real early appointment or something just have your doctor call for you and they will get you set up. It’s really a nice place to stay. Sometimes during treatment you need a place to go rest for a while or maybe you have other appointments later in the day. Its free and private. There is a common area where you can be with other people but you also have your private quarters there. So take advantage of the Hope Lodge,” said Randolph.
As in past years this year’s Relay for Life event on May 29 will include the traditional Survivor, Caregiver and Team Laps shortly after 6 p.m. and the Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. These portions of the evening’s events are so meaningful to those who attend. From 5 p.m. until midnight the park will be filled with LIVE entertainment and lots of food, fun and games for the whole family provided by more than a dozen fundraising teams.
For more information about leading a fundraising team, sponsorship, volunteering or participating in any way, call Ivadell Randolph at 615- 597-5296, Lynda Luna at 615- 597-5837, Renee Cantrell at 615-684-2688, Gail Taylor 615-597-5936, Melanie Judkins at 615-597-1132, Marlene Delong-931-235-6286 or Eva Willoughby at 615-529-1187.