By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

The South Shelby Relay for Life is Friday, May 8 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Columbiana Sport Complex.

“The statistics are alarming,” said Katherine Tally from the American Cancer Society. “Cancer will affect 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women; however there is hope. Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested in over $4 billion in cancer research, and since 1991, ACS has marked a 20-percent decline in cancer deaths. Dollars raised by Relay participants help save lives by funding groundbreaking research, supporting cancer education and prevention efforts, and providing free information and services for people with cancer who need them. UAB researcher Kristen Triebel – an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Neurology – has been awarded a five-year, $728,000 grant.”

Corley Ellis gave an inspiring speech at the Relay Kick-Off on Feb. 10 at the Jeanette Niven House.

The Relay’s theme is “Take it to the Streets.”

Mayor Stancil Handley has issued a challenge to all Shelby County mayors for each city and town to compete with awards for the most teams and most money raised.

The goal for 2015 is $85,000.

“Relay is a time to celebrate those who have survived cancer and remember those who have lost the battle,” said Relay Chair Jane Scott, marketing director at Pro Forma Title and Closing. “We fight back by raising much-needed money for research. We want every survivor and caregiver’s name for the tribute and dinner that honors them.”

Other chairs are: Laurie Edwards, Relay co-chair, manager at First United Security Bank Columbiana; Nena Goode, marketing online lead; Charlene Tucker, luminaria lead; Mischelle Grogan, ceremony/entertainment, branch manager at First United Security Bank Harpersville; Linda Wren, team recruitment developer; Karen Huckstein, survivor, caregiver lead; Patricia Palty, mission development chair; Jon Harrison, logistics chair, City of Columbiana marketing director; Vicki Wilson, accounting; and Donna Gannon, accounting, Renasant Bank.

For general information, call Scott at (205) 919-2635 or (205) 982-2486; for advance luminaria purchase $5, sky lantern $20, Torch of Hope $50, call Tucker at (205) 670-6508; to give survivor or caregiver names, call Huckstein at (205) 427-1209; and for teams, call Wren at (205) 669-9555.