MURFREESBORO – As is typical from year to year, some faces will be missing from Relay for Life.

Cancer may have claimed their bodies, but their spirit lives on within those who pick up the torch and carry that flame into a new year and a newly vowed effort to beat the disease that claimed family and friends.

Hertford-Gates Relay for Life officials are gearing up for another event….one to celebrate the birthdays of survivors and to remember those who have lost their battle.

The 2014 event gets underway at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 25 at Squirrel Park on the campus of Chowan University in Murfreesboro.

“Our reasons for walking in the Relay for Life are as unique and special as the stories that motivate us. Because of the support of the Hertford – Gates Community, we are creating a world where cancer can’t claim another year of anyone’s life. We are helping create a world with less cancer and more birthdays, stated the three co-chairpersons of this year’s event – Angie Plaunty, Jonny Owens and Stephanie Owens.

“At this years’ event we will come together as a community to celebrate all that we have overcome; remember our loved ones lost to cancer while honoring those who have fought and are still fighting; and most importantly to fight back against a disease that has taken far too much already. We will fight back by raising money and raising awareness,” the co-chairs added.

Friday is the event’s busiest night, beginning with cancer survivor registration followed by the annual salute to those survivors. Those survivors and their caregivers will walk the ceremonial first lap, followed by the introduction of the teams. The Luminary ceremony, always an emotional event, begins at 9 p.m.

Additionally there will be all kinds of food and fun. The Moonshine Band will perform Friday night.

The teams will walk the route around Squirrel Park throughout the night and well into Saturday morning. The annual Kid’s Walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday with closing ceremonies slated for 12 noon.

The general public is invited to attend any or all events. Be sure to support the teams through their individual fundraisers, whether that’s purchasing a meal or a raffle ticket.

“Thank you to all the committee members, team captains, and American Cancer Society staff,” the co-chairs said.  “Because of your hard work and effort we know that this year’s event will inspire, educate, and be enjoyed by all who attend.

The co-chairs also signaled out the support of the event’s corporate sponsors as well as the volunteers that annually stage Relay for Life.

“The support of our local businesses, churches, civic organizations, friends and families is nothing short of amazing.  Your support of our event means so much and for that we say thank you,” they said.

“Last but not least to our volunteers.  This has been a tough year for our Relay family but your passion is overwhelmingly felt throughout the community. Your endless fundraising and hard work shows your love and hope for a future free of cancer. Your dedication to our cause is what inspires us to keep fighting for a cure so we send out to you lots of love and a great big thank you,” the co-chairs concluded.