Relay for Life of Dallas County is officially underway with 28 teams, but event organizer Alvin Craig said there is still plenty of time to sign up and create a team for this year’s fundraiser.

“We want it to be something that brings Selma together,” Craig said. “Everyone has been touched by cancer. If you don’t have it, you know someone that has. We’re just trying to make people aware of what’s going on right here in Selma, Alabama.”

Craig said he has lost people in his family to cancer and working at Vaughan Regional Medical Center he sees patients often that are diagnosed with it.

“Our job is to help raise money to help pay for drugs and the research, and money we raise goes towards to help pay for patient’s hotel stays when they have to go and get treatment, and it helps pay for their travel to and from the treatment facility,” Craig said.

A team rally for Relay will be held Thursday, Feb. 16 at Wallace Community College Selma in the Hank Sanders Technology Conference Room at 5:30 p.m.

Craig said he encourages everyone to come out and learn more about Relay and sign up to have a team.

“It’s a competition and we are trying to see which team can raise the most money … but it’s fun and the money goes to a great cause,” Criag said. “We get together and just celebrate raising money.”

The goal for 2017 is $100,000, and although they fell short of the $97,000 goal last year, Craig is more determined than ever to reach this year’s target.

“Relay teams, volunteers [and] sponsors are also bringing hope to those who are currently fighting cancer as we celebrate the lives of our local cancer survivors and caregivers,” said Bridget Mills, American Cancer Society senior community manager. “This event brings the community together for ‘One Day, One Night as One Community with One Fight’ to save lives from cancer.”

Teams and individuals can learn more and sign up for the Relay for Life of Dallas County by visiting www.relayforlife.org/dallasal or by contacting Craig at (334) 538-0771.

The Relay for Life walk will be held June 2 at Lions Fair Park.