Despite bad weather and a change in location this year 's American Cancer Society Relay for Life raised more than $67,500 in Tazewell County.

There were 14 teams registered for the relay and 11 of them set up camp despite the rain and wind. The weather did bring the event to an early closing as what started out to be an all night affair wrapped up around 11:30 p.m. June 14.

Bonnie Jones, who represents the Cancer Society said more than $20,000 was turned in on the day of the walk. That money came from items the teams were selling, competitions held at the walk and other events.

24 children braved the rain to take part in the Kids Walk and brought in over $1,600. The annual Mr. Relay contest produced more than $3,000. Randall Cooper of Tazewell Presbyterian Church 's team claimed the title of Mr. Relay.

The luminary service produced more than $3,000. Jones said walkers carried candles around the track this year rather than lining the track with bags as they have in past years.

More than 50 people took part in this year 's survivor lap which recognizes people who have beaten cancer. Members of the Southwest Oncology team donned tuxedos and presented each survivor a rose as they made their way around the track.
Lavonne Kinser of the Pyott Boone Spiders team raised over $9,000 through the sale of bracelets. Kinser makes and sells the bracelets year around to help the society.

This year 's relay was held at Bulldog Stadium in Tazewell due to a scheduling conflict at SwVCC where it has been held for several years. Jones said the relay was a big success and everyone had a good time.

January 31, 2026