For Sonya Fortescue, cancer is not just a far-off concept, the illusive “c-word.” For her, it hits home.

Fortescue lost both her uncle and father to cancer, and now her husband is battling brain cancer. And these are just a few of the people she knows who were or are affected by the disease.

That’s the reason she decided to get involved with Relay for Life of Beaufort County, which holds events and a charity walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“It’s a passion,” Fortescue said, answering questions while sitting in a hospital room with her husband. “It’s something that I feel like I have to do now.”

On Tuesday night, Relay for Life of Beaufort County held an interest meeting for those who want to help out and volunteer, whether it’s marketing, assisting with ceremonies or becoming a community champion.

Fortescue, who is serving as an event leader for her second year, said the group also debuted the date for the 2016 race — April 29 — as well as plans for other events leading up to it, such as the Nov. 12 kickoff, a boxcar race, an “Art from the Heart” event and a kids’ Olympics.

She said she first got involved 10 years ago with a Relay team from Wal-Mart, but over the years her involvement has grown. This will be the 20^th year the Beaufort County chapter of Relay for Life has hosted the walk for cancer, she said.

“It seems like one person every year now,” Fortescue said. “I decided, ‘Okay, I think I need to do a little more.’”

Despite announcing the interest meeting, only three new people showed up to learn more about Relay for Life, she said.

No matter, the group still has a positive outlook and is ready to make this year better than the last 19 years.

“It wasn’t a great turnout, but all that did turn out signed up to help,” Fortescue said. “But definitely, we’re stepping out of the box this year. … We want to make it special.”

She said last year’s goal was to raise $100,000, but they ended up raising about $118,000. Event leaders hope to set a goal for this year in October.

“We’re trying to find a cure. Anything to make life easier and better for survivors and caregivers,” Fortescue said. “It really, really, really hits home.”