Hundreds of caring members of our community will gather at Green Brook Park on Friday, May 10, in the battle against cancer when the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of DeKalb County gets underway. Participants will be marking a major milestone in the society’s fight against cancer – 100 years of saving lives.
The American Cancer Society is celebrating 100 years of saving lives from cancer and creating a world with more birthdays. It’s the progress we’ve made together – as a community, as volunteers, as survivors and as leaders – that has helped us reach this incredible milestone with tremendous success. By lending your support to the DeKalb County Relay event this year, you’ll be supporting society’s efforts to finish the fight and bring an end to cancer as we know it.
The 16th annual Relay in DeKalb County begins with entertainment at 5 p.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. featuring an introduction of cancer survivors and then a Survivors' Lap, during which those who have survived the struggle circle the track together to help everyone celebrate what has been achieved against cancer.
As the sun sets, Luminaria bags lining the track will illuminate the night and then a hush will fall over the event as Relay participants, survivors and caregivers gather together for a Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to honor those who have battled the disease.
The schedule of entertainment from the stage is as follows:
•5 p.m.: Denise Page
•5:10: Infinity
•5:25: Kathy Goodwin
•5:40: Dessa Ray
•5:55: Presentation of the Colors by Boy Scout Troop #347
•The National Anthem sung by Suzanne Slager
•Invocation by B.J. Thomason, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church
•6 p.m.: Opening Ceremony
•Welcome by Renea Cantrell
•Introduction of Cancer Survivors
•Song honoring Cancer Survivors performed by Shelley Cross and Bonnie Rigsby
•Prayer for Cancer Survivors by Don Rigsby, Pastor of Prosperity Baptist Church
•6:45: David Turner and Friends
•7 p.m.: Denise Page
•7:15: Clifford and Glenda Randolph
•7:30: Suzanne Slager
•7:45: Fluty and the Flutones
•8:00: Kevin Roberts
•8:15: Tina Boston
•8:30: Terry Hodges
•8:45: New Life Pentecostal Church Praise Group
•9:00: Luminaria Ceremony
•Prayer by Jeff Armstrong, Pastor of the Smithville Church of God
•9:15: Receive It Ministries of the Smithville Church of God
•9:30: Rampage Youth Group by the Edge Worship Center
•9:45: First Baptist Youth Group by the Smithville First Baptist Church
•10 p.m.: Smithville Assembly of God Youth Group
•10:15: Brandon and Becky Duke, Elizabeth Chapel Singers
•10:30: Denise Page
•10:35: 61 Seconds
•11:30: Closing Ceremony
•Midnight: Relay ends.