Up in the sky, look: It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Relay for Life 2017!

The kickoff meeting for Crenshaw County’s Relay for Life 2017 was held last week, and the theme for this year was decided: Be a Super Hero in the Fight Against Cancer.

“Relay is important, not only to raise money for cures and support services, but also to get the community involved in helping each other,” said Cathy Wilkes, event chairperson.

“I love how the volunteers give of their time to help fight such a worthy cause.”

This year, participants will have the chance to choose their favorite superhero, don the cape and boots and report to E.L. Turner Park ready to fight the disease that has touched the lives of so many in the county.

The goal for this year’s Relay is set for $45,000.

Wilkes has participated in numerous Relay ceremonies over the years, and each year she is touched to see how many people come together to support one another.

According to information provided by the America Cancer Society (ACS), in Crenshaw County alone for the year 2015 three families were able to stay at the Hope Lodge in Birmingham for a total of 45 nights. Ten patients were provided with a Personal Health Manager, 
16 trips were provided through their Road to Recovery program, one patient received transportation assistance and four free wigs were donated.

While the exact number is not known, Wilkes believes that Crenshaw has participated in Relay for at least 20 years.

Relay is an event near and dear to her heart, and each year Wilkes petitions residents of the county to give above and beyond to help those in need.

“At one time, Crenshaw County had the highest cancer rate per capita in the state,” Wilkes said.

“I don’t know a family that has not had cancer. When I was nine years old, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s why I started with Relay, and I’ve had friends and, unfortunately, students touched by it. I hope one day that we won’t have to do Relay for Life.”

Relay is set for Saturday, April 29.