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“I thank God, I’m alive!”

That’s what one cancer survivor exclaimed during a survivor’s lap during Relay for Life of Atmore’s Luminary Ceremony and Survivors/Caregivers Walk tonight at Heritage Park.

Earlier today, a Survivor Celebration Luncheon was held at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.

The celebration served as the start of the organization’s 2023-24 fundraising year.

“We had a fantastic turnout,” Relay for Life of Atmore Committee Chairwoman Jodi James said. “Our year kicks off tonight.”

James added that the organization has already raised $12,000 for Relay for Life of Atmore.

In addition to the survivor’s lap, participants got the opportunity to dunk Atmore’s finest in Chief Chuck Brooks, Sgt. Ryan James and Police Officer Chance Thompson in the dunking booth.

Additionally, games of corn hole were enjoyed by guests.

The luminary ceremony is a significant moment of every Relay for Life event, according to the American Cancer Society’s website.

The paper lanterns, decorated with names of loved ones, are lit in honor and in memory of a life touched by cancer, according to the ACS.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life brings together passionate supporters who embody the American Cancer Society vision to end cancer, according to the ACS’s website.

Relay for Life is a volunteer-led entity that unites communities to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer and raise funds to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.

At present, James said United Bank (UB), Atmore Community Hospital, Coastal Alabama Community College and The Chosen (softball team) all are teams.

Those who are interested in forming a team to help fundraise for the current year need to contact James, who works at UB.