Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs has officially proclaimed Saturday, May 31, 2025, “Relay for Life Day” in the City of Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation from Mayor Jacobs were Linda Walker, Rebekah Cash, and Michelle Schlosser of Relay for Life of Cullman County.

On May 31st, from 5PM-10PM, the annual Relay for Life event will be held in Cullman’s Depot Park. Relay For Life celebrates survivors, honors caregivers, remembers loved ones lost, and raises funds to ensure that everyone has the chance to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. With Cullman’s unique spirit, the event will embrace the four signature traditions:

  • Celebrating survivors – Honoring those who have faced cancer with courage and resilience.
  • Recognizing caregivers – Acknowledging the strength and support of those who stand by their loved ones.
  • Lighting the way – Remembering those we’ve lost through the moving luminaria ceremony.
  • Taking action – Uniting to build a future free from cancer.

Saturday’s event will feature community members, cancer survivors, and caregivers walking around a path lined with luminary bags. At sunset, the luminary bags will be lit in a special ceremony. There will also be live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and much more.

“This is a very special annual event,” said Mayor Jacobs. “The folks of Relay for Life of Cullman County work tirelessly throughout the year to fight back against cancer in our community.”

Relay for Life began forty years ago in May of 1985 when Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for twenty-four hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. From this came the idea of having teams participate in a 24-hour fundraising event. Nineteen teams were part of the very first Relay for Life event. What started as one man walking and running a track has become a global fundraising phenomenon raising funds that directly support breakthrough research, 24/7 support for cancer patients, access to lifesaving cancer screenings, and more.

“I encourage our citizens to take part in the Relay for Life event this Saturday,” said Mayor Jacobs. “Let’s all come together to celebrate survivors, recognize caregivers, and honor those we have lost in our community to cancer.”

For more information on Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society visit www.cancer.org.

For more information on Cullman’s Relay for Life event this Saturday follow RFLCullmanAL on Facebook or follow this link. You may also contact event lead Helen Allen at [email protected] or 256-709-4019.

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Pictured, L-R: Linda Walker, Rebekah Cash, Mayor Jacobs, Michelle Schlosser (Photo by Mary Beth Sellers)