One of the top Relays For Life in the country will not take place next year. At the annual Relay For Life final luncheon, Co-chairman Bob Knox made the announcement that McDuffie County will take a year off.
"This was my 12th year, and in a lot of ways, it was tougher than any other. It seemed folks had lost a little of their enthusiasm," he said. "So, I think it's best to take a break next year, but do it with the full intention of coming back the year after."
Mr. Knox added that not only is McDuffie County's Relay good for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer, "but it's good for this community because it builds community pride."
The room of team captains and team members was silent after the announcement was made. When Mr. Knox asked for comments, one person said they were "just shocked," another said they'd heard "people saying they've just been hit so hard for so long," others asked about raising money and donating to the ACS without a Relay, and still others were worried that the event would get dropped altogether and discussed ways to prevent that from happening.
American Cancer Society Community Manager Danielle Truan commended the McDuffie County Relay and its success. This year's Relay raised $183,000. For several years, McDuffie's Relay has been either first or second in the nation for money raised per capita.
"I agree that to raise $183,000 regardless of what the economy is doing is outstanding," Mrs. Truan said. "(It) is definitely something to be proud of. We cannot do our mission without the money, it would just be impossible. But it's not just the money, it's your enthusiasm and involvement."
Mrs. Truan encouraged everyone to visit the ACS office in Augusta, on Boy Scout Road in Washington Commons, to pick up educational information and to contact her if a club or organization needs a speaker or program about cancer.
