Relay road trip: Raising funds for research

by Jo Anne Embleton news@thecherokeean.com

CHEROKEE COUNTY – This year’s Relay for Life of Cherokee County event has taken on a new format, as participants embark on a road trip this Saturday, April 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to help raise money for cancer awareness and research.

“Traditionally, it’s always been at schools, and participants walk around the track,” said Kim Herman, a senior development manager for American Cancer Society and who is based in Lufkin. “But, because of COVID, we’ve had to think outside the box.”

Participants will travel along U.S. Highway 69 to different “pit stops” located in Jacksonville, Rusk and Wells, where teams have set up a variety of events to help raise money, such as the bake sale in Alto, the hot dog stand in Jacksonville or the selfie booth in Rusk.

COVID precautions will be observed at each site.

“Cherokee County’s event is one that involves the entire county,” Herman said. “There’s no walking whatsoever, but people can travel in the safety of their vehicles, and there is no particular starting or stopping point.”

“Pit stops” are located along U.S. 69 at Brookshire Brothers and CBTX in Wells; Brookshire Brothers in Alto; Chapman Pharmacy/Cline Family Medicine in Rusk; and in Jacksonville, at CHRISTUS – Mother Frances, Bealls Chapel and Cherokee Real Estate.

“I don’t know what the turnout will be, because it’s the first year Relay has done a road trip – it’s something new, but has the potential to grow over the years and involve the whole county,” Herman said. “I’m hoping people will like it.”

To learn more or to set up a vendor space, contact Herman at 936-634-2966, or visit “Relay for Life of Cherokee County Texas” on Facebook.

Donate at https://secure.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY21SOR?pg=entry&fr_id=99492 or type in relayforlife.org/cherokeecotx