Sometimes we forget how precious birthdays really are. Another year of life given to us, another year behind us.

Making more birthdays a priority for all is the theme for the Lauderdale County Relay for Life. 'Happy Birthday' is this year's victory song.

Every year Lauderdale County Relay for Life brings hundreds of groups and generous residents together in a united effort to fight back against cancer.

"The community just comes together and supports us,"" said Gina Conner, Survivors Activity chairperson. "We have a great time of fellowship and sharing."

Honorary co-chair, Grady Henson, at one time was not sure if he would see another birthday. But he says, thanks to fundraisers such as this, technology and new age treatments were able to save his life.

"There are not enough words that can say what this means to people like myself, as far as they've gone with cancer research, things they can and can't do," said Henson. "I lost both my parents and they didn't have the means and the technology then that they do now. Had they had that, they may still be with us."

This year's goal is to raise $300,000 and have at least 120 teams. David Buckner, of corporate sponsor Mississippi Power, says the Relay makes for a long, but fun night.

"Our employees really get into it and try to raise more money that night," said Buckner. "For the past few years, we've cooked funnel cakes the night of which keeps folks rather busy."

Keeping busy and having fun is key at the twelve-hour long Relay. A festive atmosphere wraps around the track as people eat, talk, play games, and walk to raise money and increase awareness about cancer.

Relay for Life is May 7-8 at Northeast Park. It starts at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 6 a.m. Saturday.

For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org. A link is provided below.