Special to The Journal

If you call yourself a Relayer, you're in good company.

More than 3.5 million Americans take part in Relay for Life, and tens of thousands more participate in events held across the globe.

Those millions of Relay volunteers at more than 4,800 community events each have a story to tell.

They also know better than anyone what makes Relay the moving and powerful experience that it is.

The Tuesday night before Relay is a very special night.

It's when ladies from several area churches prepare their favorite dishes as a tribute to the survivors.

We simply call the occasion the &#8220Survivors' supper.”

It's a way for the community to honor those who have been touched by cancer.

Patsy Owens, survivor chair, encourages survivors to contact her at 335-6788 to be sure they are invited to the supper.

The Crenshaw County Relay for Life will be held Friday, April 27, at the E.L. Turner Park in Luverne, beginning at 5 p.m.

By this time, all the teams have pitched their tents, set up their grills and have prepared to spend the next 12 hours walking for a cure.

They have all turned in

the money raised, and are ready for all the activities ahead.

The opening ceremony sets the tone for the Relay.

This is the time that all the survivors gather at the track to take the first lap.

This lap is always reserved as a means of honoring the cancer survivors.

The second lap is for family and caregivers to join the survivors.

All cancer survivors are welcome, whether or not they are part of a team.

Participants include those who are now cancer free, and those who are undergoing treatment.

After these two laps, all participants are encouraged to begin their night long relay laps.

The luminaria ceremony is the defining element of Relay for Life.

The ceremony is a touching reminder of why we Relay.

It's to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, honor those who are undergoing treatment now, and rejoice with those who have survived the dreaded disease.

It is a ceremony of hope - hope for a cure in our lifetime.

Kathryn Tomlin, luminaria chair, encourages everyone to purchase a luminaria so that your friends and loved ones' names will be called during the ceremony.

A tent will be set up at Relay so that you can purchase luminarias right up until the ceremony time.

All during the night, there will be games , competitions and entertainment.

Cathy Wilkes, entertainment chair, has an outstanding lineup of activities and entertainers to keep everyone busy.

Persons not associated with a team will have access to the Hospitality tent.

Tables will be set up and food will be available to purchase.

Sal.Lee Sasser, committee chair, encourages everyone to come out and participate.

See you at Relay!