Plans are already underway for the fifth annual Covington County American Cancer Society Relay for Life Š an event to fight cancer, raise support for cancer victims and survivors, and unite communities in the effort to eliminate one of the most brutal killers known to man.

Jennifer Lindsey, publicity chairman for this year's Relay for Life, encourages everyone interested in helping to combat cancer to join in a special meeting set for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Covington Electric Cooperative.

"We're going to be having the meeting to get things started at 6 p.m. in the conference room at Covington Electric," Lindsey said. "This is a chance for everyone interested in having a team this year to get together and find out about this year's Relay."

Relay for Life has had a storied history in Covington County, becoming the largest individual fund-raiser in the area.

When it began five years ago, a handful of volunteers brought together by the Opp Jaycees began planning the first ever Relay for Covington County. That first Relay surpassed its goal by several thousand dollars, and has been growing ever since.

"Last year, the Relay raised $120,000," Lindsey said. "We would like to increase that amount this year, but we need everyone's help."

To help motivate those interested in learning more about the Relay for Life or manning a team, Lindsey said officials will be on hand to talk about the importance of the event.

"A representative from the American Cancer Society will be present to talk to everyone about the Relay and the Cancer Society," she said. "It will be a very informative meeting."

One major sponsor of this year's Relay has already come signed up to lend their time, money and support.

"Covington Electric Cooperative will again be the title sponsor for this year's Relay," Lindsey said. "They've been so helpful in the past, and are really dedicated to the event."

Relay for Life is an all-night event - 12 hours, in fact, that is the signature event for the American Cancer Society.

"It's a time that allows the community to grieve for those lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of the survivors, and band together to fight and work to prevent cancer from our society," she said. "It's a very powerful and moving event."

Inside today's Neighbors section, you can read about one woman's battle with cervical cancer.