The event has endured 100-degree heat and the aftermath of a tornado.

This year organizers of Relay for Life are taking weather out of the picture and holding the event at Becker Village Mall on April 20 and 21.

“We don’t have to worry about the weather,” said Gayle Garrett, who is organizing the event to raise funds for cancer research. “We can play music all night and don’t have to worry about the noise ordinance.”

Garrett said there is virtually no difference in having the event inside the mall and having it at the Manning Elementary School track. About the only thing that will change is cooking will be done outside the mall and glow sticks and flashlights will be used. “We even have some solar luminaries.”

The big thing is beating the extreme weather, she said. “When we had it in June it was 100 degrees and people ended up being treated for heat exposure.”

Since the mall equals the quarter mile length of the track, the traditional walk will not be affected. “The walk represents the life of a person who has cancer,” said Garrett, who has been cancer-free the past six years. “When it’s dark is when they get treatment. When it’s light is when they start to feel better.”

Garrett is passionate about Relay. “I have a 2-year-old grandson. I hope he never has to deal with it. When you’re told you have cancer, you automatically think you’re going to die.”

With advances in research some 350 lives a day are being saved. In 1992, that figure was only 90. “The first year was really hard,” Garrett said, recalling when she was diagnosed. “When you’re diagnosed your family goes through it just as hard as you do.”

Several bands will be performing throughout the event, the Roanoke Rapids High School Chorus beginning the event with the singing of the national anthem. Other performers include Steadfast, Brian Jones, Three Bridges and Uniquely Different.

The area’s Relay teams will be set up inside the mall selling different items such as food for fundraising.

Teams will also be doing a “Chair-ity” auction in which different chairs are filled with items relating to the chair’s use. A recliner may include a television and other related items while an office chair or school desk will include items related to those uses.

The goal this year is $96,000 and donations will be accepted through the end of August. Garrett is optimistic the goal will be met. “There’s been years when it hasn’t been met. I think this year will be a great year.”

She is also pleased that Ellen Heaton opened the mall to the event. “If things go well we’ll do it again here next year. I’m encouraged it will work really well.”

Bounce ‘N’ Bounce Party Zone will be opened throughout the event, she said.

Garrett is enthusiastic about having the event at the mall and the overall thrust of the event. “It’s a passion for me. I want to end my lifetime to hope to see a cure. Everyone is touched by cancer in some way.”

For more information contact Garrett at 252-535-1986.