Shortly after her sister, Kathy Cantrell, succumbed to breast cancer in 2011, Michelle Baird learned she was suffering with the disease for a second time.

She survived breast cancer in 1997 when she was just 42.

Her first bout required only radiation because it was not in her lymph nodes. But after finding a second lump, Baird opted to have a radical mastectomy.

In 2011, she had an MRI that revealed cancer had invaded her body again.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Because the cancer is in her bones and lungs this time, she had chemo. She takes Tamoxifen, a drug that stops estrogen. And she has PET scans every three months.

Baird plans on participating in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life next month with her team, Nine Sisters Plus Four, which refers to her large family of eight sisters plus four brothers.

She hopes a cure is found so that the event is not needed in the future.

“I am doing it because I don’t want my granddaughters doing a Relay for Life,” Baird said.

Relay for Life events are held across the county and this year marks the 110th anniversary of the American Cancer Society.

Floyd County Relay for Life will take to the trails April 26 at Ridge Ferry Park, according to a press release from the American Cancer Society.

The event features a Survivor’s Walk and a Luminaria Service to honor those who have succumbed to the disease and survivors.

This year’s theme is Birthday Party. The honorary chairs will be long-term survivors (25 years or more).

Anyone interested in participating as an honorary chair or in the survivor walk can contact Stephanie Nichols at nicholss95@yahoo.com.

For general information on Relay for Life, contact either Sonya Blankenship or Jennifer Selman at River City Bank at 706-236-2123.

There is also a Relay for Life event scheduled for March 22 at 6 p.m. at The Cage Center on Berry College’s campus.