Despite Friday’s wet weather, several teams showed up at Exchange Club Park to walk at the Relay for Life of Lincoln County to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

“I like the eagerness,” Relay for Life community manager Cindy Ashmore said as teams lined up to walk laps.

The guest speaker for the event was King’s Daughters Medical Center CEO Alvin Hoover, who shared his family’s experience with cancer.

“I’m not afraid of a little rain,” Hoover said. “This community really stood behind us. I want to tell you, it was a really frightening diagnosis, and I was wondering what was going to happen. I understand the fear that a lot of those with cancer have because I’ve seen it in my daughter’s life. That fear does not have to rule what you do going forward. We have hope in the family and friends and support that are around us and will encourage you through the battle you will fight during cancer.”

Ashmore said the importance of cancer research in Mississippi became evident when the American Cancer Society released new statistics.

An estimated 16,260 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Mississippi in 2016. Lincoln County will see an estimated 166 new cases, she said.

This puts cancer as the second leading cause of death in Lincoln County. Money raised at Relay for Life will go to cancer research.

“As you fight the fight and as you walk with those that have cancer, do it with hope,” Hoover said. “And do it with courage. The support that you offer is invaluable. As you walk with the disease yourself, know that there are events like this that are raising money and raising hope so that one day there will be a cure for every kind of cancer.”