CUMBERLAND — April will be no ordinary month for Cumberland County. It will be purple.

Supervisors have agreed to “paint the town purple,” unanimously signing a resolution in support of Cumberland County Relay for Life and “the courageous citizens who are battling, or who have battled, cancer.”

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Relay for Life. Events held around the country raise money to help find a cure for cancer and provide services for those battling cancer (such as free wigs and rides to treatment).

“We’re experiencing a revival, so to speak, in Cumberland after years of dwindling participation,” said Suzanne Moore, the chair of Cumberland Relay for Life, during the board’s March 10 meeting.

She asked supervisors to formally support the community’s efforts through a resolution. She also offered supervisors an opportunity to share their personal stories of being impacted by cancer during this year’s event on May 8. It will be held from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Cumberland High School track. (For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/cumberlandva.)

The resolution hit home for at least two supervisors.

“It’s a program supported by the organization that has done much for the people of Cumberland. It’s affected my family” said Supervisor Kevin Ingle, District Three. “I do appreciate everything that their organization does and continues to do.”

Supervisor David Meinhard, District Four, stated during board comments: “Relay for Life has become a whole lot more real to me over the last two months than it has been the other 70-plus years of my life.”

“I hope everybody will get out and support Relay for Life for the wonderful work that it does,” he concluded.

County Administrator and Attorney Vivian Giles drew up a resolution, at the urging of Supervisor Bill Osl, District One. Supervisors voted unanimously in support during a March 26 budget work session.

The resolution reads in full:

WHEREAS, cancer is a disease which has affected, and continues to affect, our entire community; and

WHEREAS, of the utmost importance are the eradication of cancer as well as the assistance of those fighting cancer to have the treatments and services they need; and

WHEREAS, through the Cumberland County Relay for Life, funds are raised to help those in our community who are battling this disease; and

WHEREAS, one activity in 2015 of the Cumberland County Relay for Life, designed to raise awareness of cancer, is to Paint the Town Purple; and

WHEREAS, the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors recognizes and applauds the courage of those battling cancer and the tireless efforts of the individuals who contribute their time and money to the Cumberland County Relay for Life; and

WHEREAS, in support of the Cumberland County Relay for Life, the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors encourages all citizens in the month of April to Paint the Town Purple.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors declares April in Cumberland County as Paint the Town Purple month in support of the courageous citizens who are battling, or who have battled, cancer, and in support of the Cumberland County Relay for Life.