By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

PELHAM — Last year, Relay for Life of North Shelby raised close to $42,000 for the American Cancer Society.

This year the group wants to do a little better.

“This year so far, our goal is around $50,000,” said Aubree Neal, a volunteer with the group’s team development committee.

Relay for Life of North Shelby’s event will be held May 20-21 at Pelham High School. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. May 20 and will go until 6 a.m. May 21.

This year’s theme has a Mardi Gras flavor, with the slogan “Carnival for a Cure.” The North Shelby group will host a Cajun food cook-off, along with live music and other activities, Neal said.

Last year, the North Shelby group got 18 teams to sign up. This year, Relay for Life of North Shelby is shooting for 22 teams, Neal said.

She said she volunteers to honor a loved one lost to cancer.

“I’m here because I lost my grandmother last year, and now I do it in honor of her,” Neal said.

However, Neal, a 2010 graduate of Pelham High School has been working with Relay for Life for four years.

“(Pelham High School) requires service hours. Most people do it because they have to, but I did it because I wanted to,” Neal said. “The thing about I love about Relay is it supports all cancer, not just a specific kind. Cancer is cancer.”

For more information about Relay for Life of North Shelby, contact event coordinator Bob Van Loan at (972) 897-4919 or check Relayforlife.org/Northshelby.