District Superintendent Chuck King and his grandson Calder King as they set up for bucket truck rides at Relay for Life, Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

 

While 40 percent of men and women are diagnosed with some type of cancer, everyone is impacted by it. Today, there are 14.5 million cancer survivors in the U.S., due in part to the work of the American Cancer Society, funded through events like Relay for Life.

According to their website, Relay for Life of Gwinnett County is the world's largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer, with nearly 5,700 people working as 250 teams to raise more than $1.75 million this year to help end cancer.

“Relatively speaking Jackson EMC is a small company in Gwinnett, but that doesn’t stop our employees from wanting to do their part in Relay for Life,” said Jennifer Fennell, team captain and district commercial/industry marketing representative. “Communities around the world get together for Relay events that honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the deadly disease.”

This year, the Jackson EMC team raised and donated more than $4,000 by hosting a breakfast, renting the parking lot to a movie set and by selling food, marshmallow guns and bucket truck rides.

“This year’s campaign slogan, ‘Finish the Fight’ says it all, so we won't stop until we finish the fight against cancer,” said Fennell.

In addition to raising funds for this worthy cause, the team says the camaraderie with their co-workers and families is the reason they participate.

In addition to Fennell, the district volunteers included Lineman Apprentice Hunter Bray and fiancée Taylor Hawkins; Linemen Chris Hammond and Brandon Mitchell; Journeyman Linemen Brian Berry, Dan Giles and Terry Harrison; Line Foremen Charles Boyd and wife Becky, Heath Burrell, Jamie Harward, Joey Thompson and Kevin Tompkins; Superintendents Sterling Cross and wife Patty, and Chuck King and wife Sandy; Senior Communications Coordinator Tonia Standridge; Master Mechanic Johnny Varnes; Engineering/Operations Coordinator Craig Roberts; Engineering Supervisor Mike Hudlow; Secretary Joy Knight; Office Services Director John Taylor and District Manager Randy Dellinger.

Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated. To learn how to get involved with Relay for Life of Gwinnett County, visit www.relayforlife.org/gwinnettga.