Catoosa and Walker counties have decided to team up this year for a joint grouping in Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is an American Cancer Society program designed to fund cancer research and help those in the community who are being affected by it.

On Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, Relay For Life kicked off their event to help form teams for their April Relay. In addition they also had a "Battle Buddy" auction, where the winner would have a meal with whom ever they won.

This year the Relay For Life goal for Catoosa and Walker counties combined is $75,000. There has been already $6,000 collected.

Before the "Battle Buddy" auction two cancer survivors explaind the importance of the program and why it's always important to help, even if that results in giving a greeting card. Connie Holcombe and daughter Amy Cope both have survived separate forms of cancer.

Organizer of the Relay For Life kick off, Sandy Matheson also presented to those who attended facts about the program, where the funds go and how they stay within the community.

Young singers would also show their support by putting on performances to raise attendees spirits. Shown above, Amanda Abbott performs shortly before the auction began.

For more information on Relay For Life or to register a team go to www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345