Relay For Life : A Mission Worth Every Step

The Scotland County Area Relay For Life officially launched its 2026 campaign Tuesday evening at First United Methodist Church, marking not only the beginning of a new fundraising season, but a milestone year for one of the county’s most enduring traditions.

The kickoff event brought together 30 individuals representing the first eight teams to sign up for this year’s Relay. This is an early show of commitment for what will be the 30th Annual Relay For Life event in Scotland County. At the heart of the evening was a mission‑focused presentation from Mary Callahan‑Lopez, social worker at Scotland Cancer Treatment Center and a dedicated Relay For Life supporter for the past 25 years.

Standing before long‑time volunteers and first‑time team members, Callahan‑Lopez reminded the audience why Relay For Life continues to matter, three decades after it began locally.

“Most of us don’t have to look very far to find a cancer story,” she shared, noting that nearly everyone in the room had been touched by the disease—whether personally or through someone they love. "Relay exists because cancer never impacts just one person."

Callahan‑Lopez spoke from the unique perspective of someone who witnesses the realities of cancer every day. In her role at Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, she supports patients and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Relay For Life, she explained, connects those individual stories to a larger mission—one that includes research, advocacy, education, and compassionate support.

Over the past 30 years, Scotland County Relay For Life efforts have raised an estimated $5.5 million for the American Cancer Society—an achievement Callahan‑Lopez described as extraordinary for a community of this size. She pointed out that those dollars fund groundbreaking research, provide practical assistance to patients, and support advocacy efforts that help ensure access to screenings, early detection, and treatment.

She also spoke candidly about her own hope for the future.

“My goal is to be out of a job one day,” she said with sincerity, underscoring her belief in Relay’s ultimate mission: a world without cancer.

Throughout her remarks, Callahan‑Lopez reflected on the symbols that define Relay For Life events—the Survivor Lap that celebrates resilience and strength, the Caregiver Lap that honors those who walk beside patients, and the Luminary Ceremony that creates space for remembrance and reflection.

“These moments don’t happen by accident,” she noted. "They happen because individuals commit their time, their energy, and their hearts—agreeing to lead teams, raise funds, and tell stories that help others feel less alone."

While fundraising remains an essential part of Relay For Life, Callahan‑Lopez emphasized that the event’s true power lies in community.

“Every lap walked and every dollar raised sends a message,” she shared. “No one goes through cancer alone.”

She also praised the strong turnout at the kickoff, calling it one of the most encouraging signs she’s seen in recent years. The number of teams already signed up, she said, reflects a renewed sense of momentum and dedication across Scotland County.

That momentum now carries forward toward the 2026 Scotland County Relay For Life event, scheduled for Friday, September 25, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at McDuffie Square in downtown Laurinburg.

As the community prepares to celebrate survivors, honor caregivers, remember loved ones, and continue the fight together, Callahan‑Lopez’s message served as a reminder of why Relay For Life has endured for 30 years—and why it continues to matter.

Because behind every walk is a story.
And behind every story is hope.