What will be the theme for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Lowndes County? According to Bridget Mills, American Cancer Society representative for Lowndes County, the public will get to vote.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will not be forgotten, that those battling cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated, Mills said.

She said local volunteers met Monday, Oct. 22 to make plans for the 2013 Lowndes County Relay for Life to be held in April of next year, and the kickoff is set for Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. at the Senior Nutrition Center in Hayneville.

The annual Relay for Life is a fun, overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer in the community and raises much needed funds to fight cancer, Mills said.

She said Lakeisha McCovery and Zandra Colston are event co-chairs for the 2013 event.

“During the 2012 relay, teams, sponsors and other local volunteers raised almost $40,000 to support the fight against cancer,” Mills said.

She also reported that cancer patients in Lowndes County have been helped by the American Cancer Society during their cancer journey.

Mills said a cancer patient stayed at the ACS Hope Lodge in Birmingham for five nights, saving over $125 per night; cancer patients received transportation grants, cancer information packets and other services through the ACS national call center.

“The American Cancer Society could not do the life-saving work that it does without the work of local dedicated volunteers.” Colston said.

Mills said volunteers chose the top three, and they would like the community to help decide the top theme.

To participate, email your favorite theme or contact the event co-chairs Griffin at (334) 548-6307 or lgriffin@familyguidancecenter.org or Colston at:(334) 315-0962 or zandra.colston@yahoo.com. Choices are: 1) Relaying Around the World; 2) Making Strides for a Cure; and 3) Putting a Cap on Cancer.

Mills said the community can also participate by becoming a committee volunteer, starting a team or becoming a sponsor.