For 14 years, Carbon County has been raising awareness and funds for cancer through the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

This 24-hour event ran from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday and boasted 18 participating teams this year. There was music, fundraisers, events for participants and tons of camaraderie.This year there are three event leaders. Sue Eckhart of Slatington is the "Fund the Cure" leader. Heather Papay of Danielsville is the "Bring the People" leader, and Pat Walker of Lehighton is the "Experience" leader. This team collectively has done a tremendous job at coordinating, planning and setting up the events. Eckhart said, "Teams are as small as three members or as large as 54 members.""We take big teams, small teams, or any teams," she said.Papay said, "fundraising happens all year, from September through July, for this event. We set out goal of $92,000 since we accomplished this amount last year. We are currently in the neighborhood of $62,000 and working on accomplishing our goal."The trio said there were 127 cancer survivors registered for the survivor dinner.Team Triple NickelBoy Scout Troop 555 of Jim Thorpe marks its 13th consecutive year at the Relay for Life in Carbon County.Scoutmaster Ray Atewell said, "We have been here every year since 2002."This year 54 members were registered and walking for Team Triple Nickel. Their shirt sponsor is Mauch Chunk Trust.Atewell said, "In 2002 we had three parents and one Boy Scout that were dealing with cancer, it was a get way to support them and all people affected by cancer."This year, "we have already submitted over $3,600 from out team to the Relay for Life." Atewell said.Troop 555 provides a "Breakfast with Santa" at the Memorial Hall in Jim Thorpe. This event is yearly on the first weekend in December."This is our primary fundraiser for Relay for Life," Atewell said."It is a great cause, the Scouts help with moving tables, chairs or anything that needs to be done. Community service hours or hiking merit badges are often accomplished at this annual event," Atewell said.The 2015 Team Triple Nickel captains are Ray Atewell, Sue Urban and Robin McGeehan.Road to RecoveryCancer patients cite transportation to and from medical treatment as a critical need, second only to direct financial support. This is where the "Road to Recovery" program comes in handy.Eckhart said, "there are only two registered drivers for this volunteer program to assist cancer patients get a needed ride to appointments or treatments."Sharon Krebs and Sandy Benson, both of Palmerton, said nobody in Carbon County should have to miss a treatment because they don't have a ride.Benson said, "Many people have stated it makes them feel good by giving back or sharing their stories as they provide volunteer transportation to a cancer victim to a much-needed treatment."Krebs said, "All of the neighboring counties have this program in full swing. Currently Carbon County has two or maybe three registered volunteers for this program. We are looking for many more volunteers to drive our cancer victims to treatments or appointments.""There is not any demand," Krebs said. "If you only want to volunteer one a day a month or one day a week, the American Cancer Society will not assign or make you help. It simply is when you want to help."According to the American Cancer Society, to become a volunteer driver you must:Own a safe, reliable vehicle, have a current and valid driver's license, have proof of insurance, have a good driving record, and attend a road to recovery volunteer training session.If you are interested in volunteering for thisprogram, you can call800-227-2345 and mention "Relay for Life of Lower Carbon County" when signing up.For more information, call 610-921-2329 ext. 3114, or visit

www.relayforlife.org/-palowercarboncounty.