The 2009 Anson County Relay for Life is set for next weekend, 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, through 7 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Anson High School.

The festivities got off to an early start this week, with the annual cancer survivors dinner on Thursday night and a $500 donation from the Wadesboro Civitans Club presented to Relay for Life co-chairs Crystal McLendon and Lachet Leak on Friday.

In speaking to the Civitans during their regular weekly meeting, McLendon explained that the Relay "is much more than a fundraiser; it's a worldwide movement to eliminate cancer."

As part of the Relay, cancer survivors form teams or as individuals walk, barbecue, play games and enjoy a festive atmosphere outdoors. The survivors take the first lap around the track and, after dark, there is a luminaria ceremony to honor survivors and remember those who have lost their battle with cancer.

"The Relay for Life gives people from all walks of life the chance to work as change agents," McLendon said, adding that the American Cancer Society, which sponsors Relays nationwide, is the single largest fundraiser in the country that is working on research to eradicate cancer.

The majority of the funds raised through the Relay for Life go toward research, said Jessica Martin, who represents the American Cancer Society in Anson County. Some of the money raised goes to help cancer patients with special needs, while some is earmarked at the national level, as well. In this area, in particular, she said, there is an effort under way to help improve transportation for those currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

The American Cancer Society is one of very few nonprofit organizations that keeps its administrative expenses below 7 percent, Martin added.

Over the years, the money raised through Relay for Life events has helped to make it so that cancer treatments are "faster, better and more humane" than ever before, McLendon said.

The goal for Anson's Relay is $69,000 this year, which is what the event raised in 2008, Martin said. "We're on our way to that," she added. "This year, we've got more people involved than ever before."

Martin reported that there was still plenty of room for teams to sign up to participate in the Anson County Relay for Life and all donations are appreciated, even if donors can't make it to the Relay itself. "You can give 25 cents or a dollar," she said. "We just want everybody to come out and have a good time."

For more information on the 2009 Relay for Life in Anson County, contact Lachet Leak at 704-475-0211.