Ada Ruth Huntley is passionate about helping those suffering from cancer as she gears up for the 2013 American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Chilton County on April 26.

Ada, an eighth grader at Clanton Middle School, and sister Sarah Beth, a fifth grader at Clanton Intermediate, lost their godmother, Katherine Naismith, to lung cancer in 2012.

Saddened by the loss of their godmother, the girls decided to start a Relay for Life team called, “Team Kat.”

The Huntleys’ mom, Elizabeth Huntley said both girls hope that someday a cure for cancer will be found, motivating the girls to come up with the idea to start a team for this year’s race that often brings hundreds of people together in the fight against cancer.

“The girls are very driven and they hope their excitement for Relay for Life will catch on with other young people in the future,” Huntley said.

Ada Ruth kicked off the fundraising efforts on Jan. 26 with a New Year’s Neon Midnight Skating party at the Clanton skating rink.

More than 80 kids from the community showed up to support the fundraiser.

Ada Ruth said she thought the skating party would be fun for kids to participate in due to not many events going on in the wintertime.

Ada Ruth plans to make the fundraiser an annual event.

Sarah Beth is planning a yard sale for sometime in March and hopes to have people donate items and raise more money than her sister.

Relay chairwoman Aimee Eiland said she is encouraged to see the excitement and support of younger individuals who are passionate in raising money for the local Relay.

“We have worked really hard on getting more youth involved in this organization and it has been amazing to see their support and excitement about everything,” Eiland said. “This is the first year for us to have some youth committee members and eventually we would like for the youth to have their own society.”

Eiland attributes a growing number of youth becoming involved to their desire of wanting to be a part of something and telling their friends who also want to participate.

“It is truly great to see so many youth coming together for a cause they recognize is important,” Eiland said. “Their enthusiasm brings attention to the cause and other people decide they want to participate. It is wonderful.”

Eiland said the 2013 goal for Chilton County’s Relay for Life is $153,500 and anyone interested in becoming a team captain or participating in the race can come to an event on Feb. 19 at Crossroads Café at First United Methodist Church in Clanton.

Eiland said the event will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m.

Anyone interested in attending should call Eiland, at (205) 280-2910 or email kickingcancerinchilton@gmail.com so enough food can be prepared for everyone.

“We are excited for the Relay this year and I know there are going to be some amazing things happen in this community as we gear up for the event,” Eiland said.