If you’re driving by J.P. Cain Stadium on Friday night, you’ll probably notice that the stadium lights are going to be on.

No, this won’t be a sign that Hartselle’s football team is having their spring game.

However, it will represent that people are down in the trenches to help bring awareness and raise money for cancer research during the Hartselle-Morgan Relay for Life.

The event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and it continues all night until 6 a.m. the following morning. The timeframe of this event is what makes it unique.

Because cancer never sleeps, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an overnight event that lasts anywhere from 12-24 hours. Relay for Life brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, churches – with a common goal: to put an end to cancer and create more birthdays.

In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Wash., ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern – cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising more than $4 billion to fight cancer.

Hartselle and Morgan County teams have been doing their part to reach their goal.

Nearly 40 teams have formed to help raise money. The event has already raised more than $20,000.

We hope that you will head out to J.P. Cain Stadium to cheer on those who are battling cancer and help raise money to find the cure for cancer.