Plans for Lauderdale County's 2008 Relay for Life were announced Monday.
The relay is moving to a new location, the Northeast Recreation Park, off Highway 39, May 9-10, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Organizers have set a $300,000 goal. They say they want to celebrate, remember and fight back.

"We want to celebrate those who do not have cancer anymore, those who are surviving. We want to remember those who have passed on. And most of all, our Relay for Life this year is to fight back," said co-chair Becky Vance. "Fight back by raising funds so that we can have the services, provide the education, and the research that American Cancer Society does to fight this disease and to accomplish their number one goal and that is to eradicate cancer."

"Relay for Life is, the money is going into research. As time goes on, the more research that's done, the better our chances of survival," said 10-year lung cancer survivor, Jeanette Gossett. "The technology is better now. The diagnosing of it. It's just a wonderful opportunity to show your support for those family members that have had cancer. I think almost every family's been touched by it one way or the other."

The American Cancer Society also presented thank you awards to members of the media, including WTOK, which is a Relay for Life sponsor. The Beacon of Hope awards recognize in-kind contributions of $10,000 or more that get the word out about relay. Our John Johnson will emcee this year's Relay for Life.

All Meridian and Lauderdale County residents are invited to form a team and participate in Relay for Life.

For information on starting a team, call the American Cancer Society at 601-482-0082.