Honoring survivors, paying tribute to loved ones and contributing to a cure is the mission Relay for Life makes possible.

Becky Hogan is the event chair for the Leeds/Moody area and is collaborating with American Cancer Society representative Lindsay Dring.

Having family members affected by cancer, Hogan’s mom is a breast cancer survivor and both grandfathers lost their battles to cancer, Hogan has been involved with Relay for the past 10 years.

Setting their goals high, this year’s Leeds/Moody Relay for Life is looking to raise $53,000.

So far that goal is in sight due to the ongoing fundraising efforts of this team.

Leading up to the big Leeds/Moody Relay for Life event on May 4th from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Moody High School, numerous events are scheduled throughout the month of April that provide the community an opportunity to support its Leeds/Moody Relay for Life teams.

Tuesday, April 17th was spirit night at Chick-Fil-A where a portion of the proceeds made that night went towards Relay for Life.

Moody High School will host Hoops for Hope on Saturday, April 21st from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., while Bunco will be held at Moody City Hall on April 21st at 5:30 p.m. Bunco is $20.

The American Cancer Society will also benefit from this year’s Creek Bank 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, April 28th. To participate runners (and walkers) can register at active.com.

Leeds/Moody Relay for Life has even incorporated shoppers into its fundraising efforts.

Maurices at The Outlet Shops of Grand River is currently taking donations for a purse provided by Wilsons Leather Outlet that is filled with gift cards and other goodies. Names will be collected and the purse winner will be drawn at relay on Friday, May 4th.

Both Hogan and Dring agree they want the Leeds/Moody communities very involved and to take ownership of this event.

“Relay hits on all of the emotions,” said Hogan. What supporters may not expect is, “it’s also a lot of fun,” said Dring.

The actual relay event brings together survivors, current battlers and those relaying for others. Throughout the night’s event someone from the approximately 30 teams that make up the Leeds/Moody Relay for Life will be on the track.

The event kicks off with an opening ceremony and the relay starts with the survivor lap as survivors take the track for the victory they’ve had over cancer. Next is the caregiver’s lap to honor those who care for those with cancer. Then is the opening lap, which welcomes all relay teams to walk together.

The most touching portion and crowd favorite is the luminaria ceremony where luminaria bags and candles are lit in honor of loved ones who have passed or currently battling this disease.

Throughout the night there’s individual walking along with activities such as Relay Idol, a hula hoop contest, face painting, hair wraps, interactive dancing and a flag football or volleyball tournament, just to name a few.

“One out of 100 Americans participate in a relay somewhere within their community,” said Dring.

Encouraging new participants to join Hogan and Dring say its not too late to form a team. To be a part of the year’s Leeds/Moody Relay for Life team, log onto www.relayforlife.org/leedsmoody.  There’s a $10 registration fee, which is waived if you’re a survivor. The goal for each team involved with Leeds/Moody Relay for Life is $1,000.

Bringing the night’s festivities to an end, Relay concludes with the Fight Back Ceremony. During relayers’ final lap they pledge to take action by doing something such as living a healthier lifestyle. They also promise to spread awareness about cancer research, treatments and prevention.

Asking the Leeds/Moody areas to “Paint the Town Purple” from April 23rd  to May 4th, residents and businesses are asked to purchase and put up purple bows in support of the Leeds/Moody Relay for Life event. Businesses bows are $25 and residents bows are $15. The relay team is also asking businesses to decorate their windows in purple.

The American Cancer Society says “cancer never sleeps.”  That’s why they offer ongoing assistance throughout the year for patients and caregivers free of charge to stay at Hope Lodge in Birmingham for those going through cancer treatment. American Cancer Society also provides free transportation to those in need for their treatment and offer the Look Good Feel Better program to help women learn to apply make-up and find wigs after losing their hair.

Strictly volunteer based, Leeds/Moody Relay for Life looks forward to making this, their best year yet. If you’d like to volunteer at this year’s event, contact Lindsay Dring at lindsay.dring@cancer.org.

Working hard to find a cure, the most important thing to remember is early detection is the key.

For more information on the many ways you can support the Leeds/Moody Relay for Life team visit www.facebook.com/RFLLeedsMoody