Relay for Life kick-off coming up

Bourbon County Relay for Life Chairwoman Bailey Gray talks to those attending a Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee Thursday about plans for Relay for Life and the kick-off planned for next Wednesday. Hosted by the charitable organization, the coffee was held at Lyons Twin Mansions.(Jared Leek/Submitted Photo)

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The gathering will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the administrative building at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 Horton.

Bailey Gray, 23, a five-year thyroid cancer survivor, is the Bourbon County Relay for Life chairwoman. She announced the event at the weekly Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce coffee, held Thursday at Lyons Twin Mansions.

Lynette Emmerson gives a donation to Relay for Life as Bailey takes down the information and Stacy Wunderly talks to someone at the table with her.(Jared Leek/Submitted Photo)

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Also planned next week is Relay for Life's first-ever business blitz. "We're going around to all the businesses," Gray said. "That's something new we're trying this year."

Last year, 14 Relay for Life teams raised $23,000. Of that amount, $14,000 stayed in Bourbon County for, among other things, patients, caregivers, lodging, transportation when patients are in treatment, wigs and personal health managers. This pairs a patient with an American Cancer Society partner or cancer survivor who can take them through the treatment journey.

This year, Gray said the objective is 50 teams and $50,000. "Many years ago, that's where Fort Scott relay was at. We're already well on the way to our goal. Several teams have already done really well fundraising," she said.

"People are really excited," Gray added. "We've gotten a really good response from the community. ... We have a lot of new committee members and existing committee members coming up with new ideas."