“Paint the Town Purple” or “Paint Pike Purple.” No matter which way you say it, the hope of the 2010 Pike County Relay for Life board of directors is that homes and businesses all across the county will participate in the campaign to “go purple” in the days leading up to the Relay for Life culminating event on May 7 at the Troy Recreation Park.

“We want to continually remind the people of Pike County that we are in the fight against cancer,” said Pam Little, co-chair of the 2010 fundraising campaign. “And, what better way than to prominently display purple ribbons at our homes and at our businesses.”

The American Cancer Society chose the color purple to celebrate the lives of survivors of the disease. Purple has become a symbol of the ACS’ untiring efforts to bring greater awareness to cancer and its determined efforts to find a cure for all forms and cancer and to one day win total victory over the devastating disease.

Displaying a purple ribbon demonstrates the Power of Purple as people from all walks of life join together in a common purpose, said Rhonda Turberville, campaign co-chair.

“We have purple ribbons for sale that have been donated by Jean’s Flowers and Maxine’s Flowers and Gifts,” Turberville said. “Members of the Relay for Life board will be contacting businesses all week inviting them to ‘paint the town purple.’ Individuals, and businesses too, may contact us at 566-7235 or 566-9325 and we will make arrangements to get purple ribbons to them.”

The co-chairs said the “Paint the Town Purple” fundraiser is another way to support those who are battling cancer, to remember those who have lost the fight and to let the world know that there’s “Power in Purple and purple will prevail.”