Local Relay rakes in estimated $155K in fight against cancer

Local residents joined the fight against cancer in a big way over the weekend.

Ashley Kroll, the coordinator for the North Mississippi County Relay for Life, anticipates donations to total $155,000 from Friday’s Relay for Life and Saturday’s Cars and Cycles Against Cancer, which were held at the Arkansas Aeroplex.

“We still have teams that will turn in their donations when the Relay for Life fiscal year ends August 31st,” Kroll said.

This weekend’s Relay for Life was successful, to say the least.

Blytheville reportedly has the top Relay in the state and one of the top 5 Relays in the nation per captia.

Relay events raise money to help the American Cancer Society continue to make strides in finding a cure for all cancer.

“Through research, advocacy, education and service, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life brings together millions of people across the nation and worldwide to raise money to help prevent cancer and save lives,” Kroll said. “We also relay to CELEBRATE cancer survivors, to REMEMBER those who did not survive, and to help provide HOPE that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

The annual walk for survivors, caregivers, fundraiser teams and those participating in this annual fundraiser brought a huge crowd of participants Friday evening to the Aeroplex.

Then, on Saturday, Cars and Cycles Against Cancer hosted a number of unique cars, trucks and motorcyles to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Cars and Cycles Against Cancer organizer Steve Southard was awarded the Chuck Wilder "Love You Big Time" award for his dedication to fighting cancer through the years.

Chuck Wilder's family presented the award to Southard in his honor.

Both days included an abundance of food, activities for children, music, fun and of course some somber moments reflecting on those who perished from cancer.