On Friday, over 500 Liberty County residents will join together at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Liberty County.

This event, with the theme “Wild Wild West…Lasso For A Cure”— celebrating over 40 years of cancer research — is not just a gathering, but a powerful demonstration of the community’s commitment to saving lives from cancer. The event will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Liberty County Recreation Department, 607 E Oglethorpe Hwy, Hinesville.

On May 1, the Liberty County Relay 2026 opening ceremony will start at 7 p.m., and the event will end at 10 p.m. More than 40 teams will provide the whole family with food, games, and activities, including a Kids’ Corner. There also will be DJ Terry, from Big Mouth Productions, and there will be live entertainment this year.

All cancer survivors and caregivers are invited to attend the Survivors Dinner on Friday, from 5-6 p.m. at the Stafford Pavilion, located at the Liberty County Recreation Department, 607 Oglethorpe Highway. RSVP is not required but highly appreciated. To register or learn more, visit relayforlife.org or contact Dr. Karen Bell at (912) 492-6401.

Funds raised at Relay For Life support vital cancer research, education, and survivor services, with 4 million participants worldwide in 2026 and over $100,000 raised locally last year.

Dollars raised help the American Cancer Society save lives by funding groundbreaking cancer research, supporting education and risk reduction efforts, and providing free information and critical services for people with cancer who need them. No one understands the importance of these services more than local cancer survivors who use the American Cancer Society Wig Boutique program.

“Overwhelmed, scared, and uncertain were some of the emotions that a survivor felt after being told she had breast cancer,” one cancer survivor said. “My long blonde hair would soon be gone, which scared me the most, and a part of me felt guilty. Who I was would be no more. When I lost my hair, I thought I had lost hope. Cancer may have taken my long blonde hair. Still, it has given me the opportunity and courage to be whomever I want to be through The American Cancer Society, which offers a wig boutique free of charge to patients who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. I am stronger now than I was before.”

It’s the ongoing support of local businesses, schools, teams, and organizations that makes everyone feel part of the fight against cancer. Your involvement is not just appreciated, it’s vital to the community’s strength and success.

Encourage the community to join, volunteer, or donate to the Relay For Life of Liberty County by highlighting how their involvement directly supports cancer research and survivor services. Visit relayforlife.org or https:// w w w.relayforlife.org/ libertycountyga to learn more or contact Dr. Karen Bell at (912) 492-6401 or relayforlifelibertycountyga@ gmail.com to get involved.

For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-2272345 or visit cancer.org.