March 26, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
For 22 years, Relay for Life was one of the largest fundraising events in DeKalb County in support of the American Cancer Society but three years ago it was suspended due to the pandemic.
Although the hope is to one day bring it back, Relay for Life, normally held on the Friday evening before Mother’s Day in May, will again not be held this year but that doesn’t mean the fundraising has to stop.
“Cancer doesn’t stop just because the pandemic hit,” said Ivadell Randolph, local ACS Volunteer and Relay organizer. “Like every other organization, the American Cancer Society has been hit very hard, but we can still do some fundraising. If there are teams that want to do some onsite fundraising, we welcome that. That’s what happened last year. We raised over $7,200 altogether (including through Love Lights A Tree) and though it’s a low amount compared to what we have done in the past, every dollar helps and these may be the few dollars some researcher needs to find a cure. I am very appreciative of all those who did give last year for this worthy cause,” said Randolph.
In the early years, Relay for Life raised more than $100,000 annually through fun-filled activities, contributions, and sponsorships by churches, teams, businesses, individuals, and civic organizations before and during the event, which except for one year, was held at Green Brook Park. In 2017, Relay was moved indoors at the county complex due to rain. In more recent years, the goal has been to raise at least $50,000 with each event.
“The DeKalb County community has been dedicated and supportive of Relay for Life over many years. Without the help of our sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to have the same impact that we have had. Because of the many donations, we have been able to support breakthrough cancer research and we have been able to save more lives. We’ve also been able to support cancer patient services like the Hope Lodges across the country, including Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta that house out-of-town patients and their caregivers for free,” said Randolph.
“Due to the continued economic effects of the pandemic, your American Cancer Society is facing a significant funding shortage that is threatening our ability to invest in vital cancer research. Our most important mission is to continue to serve patients and attack cancer from every angle through research, education, advocacy, and patient services,” Randolph continued.
“We know that the pandemic has had many negative effects on businesses. If you are not able to give this year, please know how much we appreciate your support in the past and that we are praying for the success of your business as we hopefully come out of this difficult time. If you can give this year, please know how truly appreciative we are. We are better together,” added Randolph.
A special thanks goes to 2021 teams and sponsors who donated including the DeKalb County Committee, Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church, Salem Baptist Church, DeKalb County Retired Teachers, First Baptist Church, B&G Supply, DeKalb County FCE Club, American Legion, Snow Hill Baptist Church, New West Point Free Will Baptist Church, Caldwell’s Drug Store, and Wilson Bank & Trust.
For more information contact Ivadell Randolph at 615-597-5296 or address contributions to Ivadell Randolph, 787 Keltonburg Road, Smithville, TN 37166.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer. For over 35 years, communities across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change. Funds raised through Relay For Life directly support breakthrough research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, access to lifesaving screenings, and much more.