CULLMAN, Ala. – On Thursday, May 6, 2021, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs proclaimed Friday, May 7, 2021, “Relay Day – A Community Coming Together Against Cancer” in recognition of Relay For Life of Cullman County’s “Lights on First Drive Thru Luminaria and Survivor Parade” scheduled for that day.
“We thank Mayor Jacobs, the City of Cullman and the residents of Cullman County for making a difference in the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society,” said Gary Cornelius of the ACS board of directors. “COVID did not cause cancer to pause, so we must continue this fight to eradicate the second largest cause of death in our country today.”
The “Lights on First Drive Thru Luminaria and Survivor Parade” will be a drive-thru event along First Avenue NE in the Cullman Warehouse District. The event is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. The starting point will be on First Avenue NE near First Street Northeast. Vehicles will travel north on First Avenue NE toward Arnold Street NE to view the luminaria that will line the street. Survivors are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and include posters with their names and how long they’ve been cancer-free.
At the end of the parade route, the vehicles can be parked drive-in style behind the Cullman County Museum to view a slide show honoring cancer survivors, recognizing caregivers and remembering those who have been lost to cancer.
Luminary bags can be dedicated in honor of, or in memory of, someone affected by cancer or in honor of a caregiver. The $10 donation includes both a luminary bag and an entry in the slide show. Luminary bags can be purchased online at https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY21SOR?pg=entry&fr_id=99042.
“I believe that Cullman truly is a community that will come together against cancer,” said Mayor Jacobs. “I am proud to proclaim ‘Relay Day’ in Cullman and urge everyone to support the ‘Lights on First’ event Friday.”
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement is the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer. It is a community made up of like-minded survivors, caregivers, volunteers and participants who believe that the future can be free from cancer.
Each year, communities across the world come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, to honor cancer survivors and caregivers, and to further Relay for Life’s mission to “save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer.” Relay for Life of Cullman County sponsors events in our community to raise funds for the American Cancer Society that are used for research, education and patient support and services.
While the American Cancer Society is making progress toward their goal of a world without cancer, they can only continue their fight if we are dedicated to helping them raise the funds they need.
“As will be demonstrated in the number of luminaria on display Friday night, cancer has also had considerable impacts on our own community and families,” said Mr. Cornelius. “We look forward to everyone coming to experience ‘Lights on First’ with us.”
To make a tax-deductible donation online to the American Cancer Society, visit https://donate3.cancer.org/.
