Winchester-Clark County residents are invited to come to Campbell Jr. High School June 16 and walk to make a difference in the lives of those with cancer at the 21st annual Relay for Life of Clark County.

According to event chair Sarah Chamberlain, the organization’s goal is to raise $77,000 this year to benefit the American Cancer Society. 

“A lot of that money goes to research, but a lot also goes to people with cancer in Clark County for programs the American Cancer Society offers,” Chamberlain said.

These programs can range from transportation opportunities to procuring wigs and much more.

She said some of the funding will also go to the Hope Lodge in Lexington, which gives free room and board to any cancer patient who lives more than 40 miles away from the city and one person accompanying them while they get treatment.

Chamberlain said the Relay for Life organization works all year long in preparation for the June event. She said it will begin at 6 p.m. with an opening ceremony and a guest speaker. The organization will then recognize local cancer survivors, giving each of them a medal and announcing how many years they have been cancer-free.

After that, attendees will participate in walking laps around the track at Campbell including a survivors lap and a lap for sponsor teams. 

“After that, there are campsites set up by the teams,” Chamberlain said. “There will be different games and activities to participate in.”

Activities games for children, food made by members of the Winchester Fire Department, music and more.

At 10 p.m., the luminaria ceremony will begin, where paper lanterns with the names of people who have died fighting cancer will be placed along the walking track and lit. Participants will then walk the track to remember the people represented by the lanterns.

Chamberlain said lanterns to commemorate a loved one can be purchased for $5 at the event.

Teams can register to take part in the event at any time up to the start of the relay. The 15 sponsors for this year’s relay include Palmer Engineering, Winchester Municipal Utilities and Clark Regional Medical Center.

Chamberlain said members of the public are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities. 

“It’s really fun, and we just really love the event,” Chamberlain said.

For more information or to register, visit acsevents.org.