The fight against cancer continues in Henry County, as area residents are preparing to take steps to battle the disease.

  The Henry County Relay for Life is April 26, beginning at 6 p.m., in the Recreation Field at Salem Baptist Church, 1724 Ga. Highway 155 N., in McDonough. In anticipation of the event, Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center will host a free dinner for all cancer survivors and one caregiver each on April 23, from 5-7 p.m.

  Nan Jenkins has been volunteering with Relay for Life since 1989, becoming more actively involved with it in 1992. She is currently a member of the Event Leadership Team.

  Jenkins said the fight against cancer is close to her heart, for several reasons.

  “I was diagnosed with a rare cancer four years ago,” said Jenkins. “I actually lost both of my parents from cancer before I was 25, so helping the American Cancer Society has always been a passion of mine, too. I do lots of volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. I am a member of the Volunteer Leadership Team and head up the team for the Southeast. It’s an organization I am very passionate about because they fund great research and provide so many services.”

  The event will also feature a Luminary Ceremony, beginning at 9 p.m. Jenkins said the annual occasion also provides an opportunity to remember those who have passed away from cancer, and those who are still dealing with it.

  “Luminaries are available for purchase at the event or online,” said Jenkins. “You can purchase a luminary in honor or memory of someone, and they will be lit for the ceremony.”

  She added that the dinner, catered by Shane’s Rib Shack, is an important element of that remembrance as well.

  “We really want our survivors to be recognized and treated special, so that’s why we do the survivor dinner,” said Jenkins.

  Last year’s Relay for Life in Henry County raised approximately $200,000. Jenkins said she hopes to surpass that number this time around. More than 75 teams have already registered for the event.

  “This year, our goal is $250,000, and we are halfway there,” said Jenkins. “The great thing is that it’s really a great community event,” said Jenkins. “So many of our schools, churches and businesses participate.”

  Proceeds from the Relay for Life go toward cancer research and to patient programs including Road to Recovery, as well as patient transportation as needed.

  Piedmont Henry will also sponsor a Survivor Tent at the Relay for Life event, said hospital spokesperson Sarah Teach. She said the hospital is slated to support the endeavor in other ways as well.

  “We will have mobile Cancer Wellness programs from our Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center for survivors to participate in like our drumming circle, Tai Chi, chair and hand massages, as well as beverages and snacks,” said Teach.   To register for the dinner, visit relayforlife.org/henryga or e-mail Erin Lacey at erin.lacey@cancer.org. For more information, visit Relay for Life of Henry County on Facebook.