Those who’ve survived cancer possess a special strength, an inner light that can’t be hidden. One local organization wants to make sure that light continues to shine brightly.

Those wishing to honor cancer survivors or remember ones who’ve died from the disease can now purchase a luminary for $5 from members of Selma-Dallas County Relay for Life. Luminaries will be present during the group’s annual Relay for Life Relay Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. inside Memorial Stadium.

Beverly Morgan, team captain for Montgomery Cancer Center Selma, said the luminaria ceremony during the relay is a “special occasion.”

“We line the track with the luminaries and we spell out the word ‘hope’ with the luminaries in the grand stands,” Morgan said. “It’s a way to honor those who have fought cancer. It’s in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of someone who has lost their life to cancer.”

Katrina Freine, Luminaria Chair for Dallas County, said she feels the relay is important on many levels.

“I feel this is a very important event because it raises awareness and it allows us to raise money for not only research to find a cure but to help patients who are currently battling cancer — to help with lodging and transportation to out-of-town treatments and other patient services,” Freine said.

Interested persons can purchase a Luminaria form and fill out the name of a person being honored, check “in memory” or “in honor” of and mail the form with a check made payable to the American Cancer Society to Katie Friene, 1 King St., Selma. Individuals can purchase multiple luminaries, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society for education and research.

For more information, call 872-9300 or 872-9385.