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Long Co. Relay raises $28,000 to fight cancer
MR Relay
Participants carry a banner during the survivors walk Friday, which kicked off the Long County Relay for Life. - photo by Photo by Mike Riddle
Long County had its annual Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society last Friday at Veteran’s Field in Ludowici.
After vice chairwoman Brandi Smiley welcomed all, cancer survivors walked the first lap to officially start the walk and Julie Skipper sang “All Are Our Heroes.”
This year marked Relay for Life’s 25th anniversary and Long County’s fourth year hosting a walk. The event’s silver anniversary tied in with this year’s theme, “the silver screen.” Participants walked alongside a “walk of fame,” made of stars containing the names of people who have fought cancer.
People of all ages walked the track, including large groups of teenagers. Long County High School teacher Cory Brace said, “It’s great having the high school kids participate in this. You can see it means a lot to the cancer survivors by the look on their faces.”
Adrian Stock, who was a member of the Long County Head Start team said, “This has been a pretty good turnout and from what I have been told, the amount raised so far is really impressive for a community of this size.”
Brandi Dunham, who was a member of the Friends for a Cure team said, “The good thing about the RFL is that it shows that when a few people get together, they can make a difference.”
According to Smiley, this year’s event had 19 teams and raised about $28,000.
RFL regional cancer control director Sharon Proudfoot said, “In just three years, Long County has raised over a $100,000. When you take into an account the population here, this county is doing a great job with its RFL.”
The sponsors for this year’s RFL were CMAD Construction, Altamaha Federal Credit Union, Canoochee EMC, the Ludowici Huddle House, CenturyTel, The Heritage Bank, the Long County Chamber of Commerce, Phillips & Kitchings, Walden Farms, Joyz & Toyz, McCullough & Swindell, the Ludowici First Baptist Church, the Altamaha/New Sunbury Baptist Association and the Long County 4-H Club.
Smiley said several teams will continue to raise money during the next few months.
“We won’t know our grand total until July when we have our final wrap-up party, but I want everyone to know, I appreciate the support from all who helped and all who came out tonight,” she said.

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