Contributed

Participants will join together to walk laps at the annual Relay For Life of Stanly County Friday night.

Taking place behind the Oakboro Fire Department, the event is conducted each year to raise funds to battle cancer.

Relay For Life team captains were given the opportunity to vote on a theme for the 2019 event and chose “Disney.”

This event starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until midnight.

Admission is open to everyone and is free, with the teams offering many food, drink, game and gift selections.

Teams made up of local schools, churches, individuals and businesses have raised money throughout the year through character breakfasts, raffles, yard sales, a concert, restaurant meals, “dress-down days” and more.

On Friday, teams will decorate their campsites like Disney movies and characters. Those attending this event are encouraged to dress in their favorite Disney attire, including costumes, while making laps and visiting the different sites.

The night will feature DJ the DJ, playing popular songs and requested favorites, while local band SLYDE will perform at 8 p.m. Additional entertainment and a “Heart of Relay” pageant is slated for the evening.

Any team member may participate in the contest to show their passion, answer an interview question and circle the track to garner votes (dollars) for the cause.

Children may participate in all laps, but a special kids’ lap is scheduled.

They also may purchase an all-night pass to the Kids’ Zone. All proceeds go toward this Relay For Life event.

There will be a local cancer survivor who understands first-hand how vital access to treatment is who will speak at the event.

All survivors in attendance will make a lap after telling how many years since they were first diagnosed.

People can purchase luminaries to line the walking track in honor of a loved one who is battling or surviving cancer, in memory of a loved one lost or in appreciation of a caregiver. All lights are extinguished, and sounds are quietened while Relayers circle the track in silence, reading the name on each bag.

“Until you’ve experienced a Relay For Life event, you can’t fully imagine what the night is all about,” said Cameron Whitley, community director of this area for the American Cancer Society.

“You will have fun, you will laugh, and you will probably cry,” she added. “Relay For Life events not only fund crucial research, but allow those facing cancer to get the access to the care they need to get well and stay well.”

Funds raised from Relay For Life events allow the American Cancer Society to attack cancer in dozens of ways — from developing therapies and research, to building communities that come together to help those affected by cancer with access to treatment.

The ACS provides resources to deploying activists to raise awareness and develop approaches to address the cancer burden for all people.

Lodging and transportation also are provided to patients needing these services.

Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Wash., in 1985, the Relay For Life movement of 3.5 million participants throughout the world unites at more than 4,500 events to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost and take action for change.

The Relay For Life of Stanly is supported by many local businesses and organizations. Any individual or business interested in sponsoring this event can email rflstanly@gmail.com or visit the RelayForLife. Org/StanlyNC.

— Relay For Life of Stanly County