JACKSON – Where there’s life, there’s hope.

And a Relay for Life event is a great place to find both.

The 4^th annual Northampton County Relay is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, at the Cultural & Wellness Center, located on NC 305 just north of Jackson.

The 24-hour event (12 noon on Friday through 12 noon Saturday) serves as a means to raise money for the American Cancer Society for research, programs and services the organization provides.

“We’ve painted our county purple in advance of Relay for Life to bring awareness to what cancer is about and how it affects everyone…those who have battled and survived and the families of those survivors as well as those families who have lost a loved one to cancer,” said Marla H. Jerman who serves as the Teams Coordinator for the 2015 Northampton Relay.

“Our message is simple….it’s one of hope,” Jerman continued. “We embrace those impacted by cancer with lots of love, support and hope.”

Prior to the official opening of the Northampton Relay, cancer survivors and their guests have pre-registered for a banquet to be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Friday inside the Cultural and Wellness Center. Erica Smith-Ingram, who serves District 3 in the North Carolina Senate, will deliver the keynote message at that event.

Opening ceremonies are set for 6 p.m. on Friday. That will be followed by a special lap designated for cancer survivors with the Northampton High School Marching Band leading the way. A special lap for the caregivers of cancer patients will follow.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Relay for Life will feature a “Kidz Corner” with activities for the younger participants. Games are priced at $1 each.

The luminary ceremony begins at 9 p.m. Friday. Special music will be provided by saxophonist Alton Hines of Roanoke Rapids.

The teams – 28 in number and with over 400 participants – will take over the track after that point. They will be treated to a “White at Midnight” party, one where for every 10 laps walked, team members can place their names in a hat for a drawing for special prizes given away each hour.

“Area businesses and team members have donated the prizes that will be awarded throughout the night,” Jerman said, adding that, “you must be present to win.”

Following a Saturday morning breakfast for the teams, the local VFW Post, led by Steven Jackson, will present a time of meditation and devotion. Jerman invited all military veterans, past and present, and their families to attend this special event.

“There will be a special lap around the track in tribute to our military personnel,” she stated.

The annual Kid’s Walk begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. That event includes special activities for the youngsters.

Also on Saturday morning’s agenda are activities planned for cancer survivors, to include awarding special prizes.

The closing ceremony begins at 12 noon.

Jerman encouraged those planning to attend to wear white and to bring a lawn chair.