ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — If Robertsdale officials and their families look a little tired after Nov. 20, don’t worry. There is not some fancy version of the flu around.

Instead, members of the Robertsdale “Relay For Life” team will be walking around the Robertsdale High track from 6 to 10 p.m. that night.

Some members of the team have lost family members to cancer. Others, like Donna Collum, a utility clerk in Robertsdale, are cancer survivors. Other members of the team are like most of us - concerned citizens who may have been touched by cancer in their own families, or know someone who has had their life touched by cancer.

“I am a two-time survivor,” said Collum. “I truly believe in he work the American Cancer Society does. They have been wonderful to me.” Collum’s mother also had ovarian cancer, so her family is alert to the need for regular checkups.

“They are going to find a cure,” said Collum. “I believe one is coming.”

The Robertsdale edition of the Relay is in its fourth year, Collum said.

According to the Relay For Life Web site, the Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma, Wash., surgeon, began running a track to raise money for his local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Since 1996, the ACS has partnered with organizations outside the United States. Currently, International Relay For Life events are now held in 19 countries outside of the United States.

“I still cry when they have the “Survivor’s Walk,” Column said. The “Survivor’s Walk,” is a moving part of the Relay where people who have survived cancer take a lap around the track.

“We have a lumniaria service every year, too, added Collum, referring to bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a candle. The lanterns form a line around the track.

For Police Chief Brad Kendrick, the battle is personal. He says he has had two aunts that passed away from cancer, and, “you never know what the future holds.”

“Cancer does not affect just the person, it affects the whole family,” Kendrick said.

He cited the research the ACS does and the various programs, such as “Look Good, Feel Better,” which teaches those being treated for cancer techniques with makeup, and clothing to look their best during a trying time.

Kendrick also noted that the ACS provides wigs to those who have lost their hair to chemotherapy.

“It’s just something we can do to help others,” said Kendrick.