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AHOSKIE – Cancer doesn’t cure itself. That’s why your presence is needed here this Friday, April 21.

The 2023 Relay For Life of Hertford-Gates counties will be held that day from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Ahoskie Creek Amphitheater.

While the time and place may be different from pre-COVID events, the main focus of Relay for Life remains unchanged…to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those who lost the battle, and raise money in an effort to fight back against the disease.

The four-hour, single day event will feature survivor activities, games, food trucks, and a luminaria ceremony. Food trucks already lined up for the event include Get Your Grub On, Owl Feed You, Grace’s Grille, BBs Tropical Treats, and H&H Catering.

As has been the tradition of this long-running event that began over 20 years ago, Hertford-Gates Relay For Life is highlighted by several celebrations as follows:

Cancer Survivors Lap (6 pm): Attendees are encouraged to line-up along the circle in the area facing the amphitheater stage to cheer on the survivors as they take their celebratory lap. Bring noise makers, pom-poms, anything you bring to a pep rally to cheer on those survivors as they are most deserving of their individual battles against cancer.

Caregivers Lap (6:15 pm): These individuals are family members, friends, or healthcare workers who have provided care for cancer patients. Attendees are again asked to line the track and cheer for the caregivers!

Kids Walk (7 pm): This event allows local children to get involved in the battle against cancer.

Luminaria Ceremony (8 pm) – As the sun sets, pre-made luminaria bags that are dedicated in honor or in memory of a loved one will be lit. This solemn ceremony allows attendees to pause and remember those lost to cancer and reflect on the journey of those who have survived.

Proceeds from Relay For Life of Hertford and Gates counties benefit the American Cancer Society, which s the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research.

That research has helped save lives. In fact, nearly 17 million people with a history of cancer are alive today across the United States.

Since 1991, the cancer death rate in the United States has dropped 29 percent. That translates to more than 2.9 million lives saved.

Those taking part in a Relay for Life event, the funds that are donated – no matter how small or large – can make those “lives saved” number even better. And it doesn’t matter if you are male or female, young or old…everyone is invited to attend.