Whether it be from an outbreak of cold from Mother Nature or the flu season tossing a curveball, volunteers with Relay For Life would not back down from their mission to raise funds for cancer research.

Members of the Relay For Life of Elizabethton/Carter County recently kicked off the local season of fundraising by hosting a weekend pancake breakfast at Fatz in Elizabethton.

Even though expectations were tapered due to a variety of issues, local Relay For Life co-chair Greg Odom said the group was able to accomplish their goals.

“We did have a lower turnout than we anticipated,” Odom said. “But we’re chalking up to the weather and flu, because we know that’s why a lot of people weren’t able to make it out. That being said, it was still a great time. We were able to raise money for the American Cancer Society and give out information about this year’s Relay For Life event. We also had some kids come out and enjoy time with the different Disney characters.”

2018 is all about building excitement for Relay For Life’s all-day event, tentatively scheduled for Friday, June 22, at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) – Elizabethton. This year’s theme is all about a beach-oriented theme so organizers will present some outdoor based activities in the coming months.

“With the pancake breakfast behind us, we don’t have anything immediately planned as an entire group until the survivor dinner in May,” Odom said. “Our different groups will be able to host events, but Kathy (Thomason) and dinner organizers are putting together the dinner.”

In the meantime, Odom encourages the public to form teams if possible or to go ahead and register for the June event.

“There are so many different ways to get involved,” Odom said. “From volunteering to forming a team. If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask anyone involved. That’s what we’re here for and we’ll be more than happy to help.”

Visit the Relay For Life of Carter County, TN Facebook page to learn more.