Lawrence Countians are gearing up to help fight against cancer and honor survivors with the annual Relay for Life.

The event is slated for a new venue May 9-10, Ironton High School’s track and practice field. The event was in Proctorville for the past five years.

Thirty-two teams have signed up to participate in this year’s event.

“We’re hoping that by having it in a more centralized part of the county we can attract more participants,” Relay For Life Co-Chair Jamie Chaffin said. “Last year we had 1,500 people. We’re having new events in addition to the relay, and all the proceeds go to cancer research.”

The fundraiser will have a car show, and basketball and tennis tournaments, as well as food and entertainment.

The “Paint the Town Purple” campaign to boost awareness for this year’s Relay for Life begins this

week. Chaffin is asking area homeowners and business owners to show their support by displaying purple posters for the event, as well as other purple items to help raise awareness.

Chaffin said Lawrence County has one of the biggest monetary events in Ohio.

“The last three years we’ve raised more than $100,000 just from the Lawrence County event. That’s amazing,” she said.

The survivors reception will be in the rotunda at Ohio University Southern, May 9 at 5 p.m. All cancer survivors and their care givers are invited to attend.

For more information, or to participate in the Lawrence County Relay For Life, call Chaffin at (740) 646-4380 or Co-Chair Penny Dodgion at (740) 532-3140.