The deadline is near. It’s time to get out and support Franklin-Southampton Relay for Life, which culminates on Saturday, June 5, at Bronco Federal Credit Union on Stewart Drive.

The event’s 24 teams have spent months raising a total of $70,000, which is tremendous. Now it’s time for folks to turn out and help raise the balance for the $128,000 goal. Last year, $136,672 was raised.

According to the local relay’s website, the High Street United Methodist Church team is the top fundraiser so far with $11,852. Hats off to its members. Steps of Hope follows with $8,659 and Pleasant Plain Cruisers for Life is in third with $7, 401. Good job to both of you.

The top individual fundraiser so far is Evelyn Ford with a whopping $5,347, followed by Vergia Johnson at $2,802 and Kathy Worrell close behind at $2,750.

Contributions from Relay for Life go to the American Cancer Society to help people stay well, fund research for cancer cures and fight back.

Some examples include telephone counseling service to help smokers quit, developing  cancer screenings and nutrition guidelines to help prevent the disease and provide tips to help people eat healthy and maintain an active lifestyle.

Opening ceremonies for the Franklin-Southampton Relay for Life will begin at 10 a.m. with the singing of “The National Anthem” by Cecil Edwards. Cancer survivors will then participate in the Survivor Lap, the ceremonial and inspirational first lap around the track.

A variety of activities will continue through 7:30 p.m. At 8, the Chester Burgess Spirit of Relay Award will be presented, followed by the Luminaria Ceremony, which honors loved ones who have died from cancer.

So get out and enjoy our local effort to fight cancer.