Dear Editor,

We have seen many changes take place in our politics, our economy and our lives.

However one constant is that people are continuing to battle cancer and many others continue to support their loved ones each and every day through this battle.

These realities make dollars donated and hours volunteered for the American Cancer Society in Shelby County so important.

Local volunteers are a huge part of the nationwide effort to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

But additional volunteers are needed to help in this effort. Plans are underway for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of West Shelby County.

We want to personally encourage all community members to get involved in this effort to eliminate cancer.

There are four Relay For Life events taking place in Shelby County this year.

We want to challenge everyone in the West Shelby area to make our event the biggest and the most successful.

We are going to raise the most money to help the American Cancer Society’s mission of helping people stay well, get well, finding cures and fighting back against cancer.

We are going to make the most impact by helping to fund the Society’s vital research program, as well as programs for patients including transportation assistance and free lodging at Hope Lodge facilities.

Now is the time for West Shelby residents to take a stand! Celebrate the survivors in your life. Remember your loved ones no longer here.

Pledge to fight back against this disease.

Form a team, fundraise or volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Relay For Life of West Shelby, taking place on May 3, 2013 at Oliver Park in Calera. Call 930-8860 or visit RelayForLife.org/bhamrelays for more information.

Hollie C. Cost, Mayor of Montevallo

Jon Graham, Mayor of Calera

Marty B. Handlon, Mayor of Alabaster