One local woman is encouraging Butler County residents to fight cancer one step — one mile — at a time.

Abbie Gardner Ballew, owner of Abbie Gardner Ballew State Farm Insurance, is sponsoring the My Cancer Hero 5K, which will be held April 16 in Greenville.

Ballew says the run celebrates the lives of those lost and those that have survived the fight against cancer.

“I love to see people come together to celebrate. What better to celebrate than the cancer hero in your life?” Ballew said. “I wanted to raise money for Relay for Life. I wanted to raise big funds to try to help find a cure for this awful disease. So, I decided that a 5K might be just the thing to raise money and bring people together for such a good cause.”

All of the money raised from the race will go to the American Cancer Society to help fund cancer research.

Ballew lost her father, Jimmy Gardner, to cancer. She said that for her Relay for Life, and this race, means hope.

“Relay for life means community, sharing and remembering,” she said. “I hope to bring survivors and families that have experienced loss together to celebrate the lives of both. I want us to remember those that we have lost and hold close those that have won. I hope it will be just a great day of celebration for all cancer heroes.”

Race participants are encouraged to bring a picture of a cancer survivor/hero to the event to be placed on a board for Relay for Life. A balloon release will be held at the end of the race, following the award presentation.

“Please just come, bring a picture of your cancer Hero to add to our board, and whether you walk, run or just celebrate, come out to show your love for all of those in our community who have and are still fighting this awful disease,” Ballew said.

Registration for the race will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Confederate Park. The registration fee is $30. The race will begin at 8 a.m.

For more information call (334) 382-6561.