CLAY COUNTY-The Relay for Life effort here that began several months back and ended with the big event last Friday night has surpassed the goal of $25,000 set by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the county here and ACS officials are praising residents for their efforts.

“Clay County’s preliminary total around as of last Saturday morning was $32,311.50–which is at least $7,000 over the goal we had set for them,” ACS community representative Denise Hackett said in an email Monday. “We have  wonderful support in Clay County from the  Relay For Life Committee spearheaded by Anna Ruth Locke, Laura Smith, and Betsy Holtam to the many Clay County Relay For Life Teams that work endlessly to raise money to help others.

“The local effort is amazing.”

Hackett said statistics indicate that more than 547,000 Americans will loose their battle with cancer this year, which is 1,500 individuals per day, and she explained that chances are strong that cancer has taken the life or attacked the life of someone many have known and loved–a grandparent, mother, father, sibling, friend, co-worker, or fellow church member.

She said money raised at the 2011 Relay funds research to find a cure of this dreaded disease through services such as transportation to and from treatments, free wigs, free lodging at a Hope Lodge around the country while patients are undergoing daily treatments, Look Good-Feel Better programs, and many more services.

“Surpassing this goal is a product of countless hours of tiring work by hundreds of volunteers here and I want to personally thank the many volunteers, businesses and schools that have given so much of their time, effort and money to this cause,” Hackett said.   “Without the support of the Clay County volunteers, the American Cancer Society could not serve the many needs of so many individuals facing cancer every day.

“They make a difference in the lives of others and my hand goes out to each and every one of them for their tremendous efforts and support!”