It’s hard to find someone who has not been impacted by cancer in one way or another. Whether you or a loved one have been touched by disease, few are unaware of how truly heartbreaking it can be. Cancer wreaks havoc not only on those diagnosed, but those who are there to help them through their battle.

Thankfully, few have to fight this disease alone. And for more than two decades, dozens of local volunteers have committed themselves to making sure the resources are available to further research efforts, support and other programs for cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.

The annual Relay for Life event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars just locally that all go to support cancer research, patient care services, education and prevention initiatives through the American Cancer Society.

In 2017, more than $75,000 was raised in our community for this worthy cause. Fundraising efforts are year-round and culminate with the annual Relay For Life event each June.

This year’s Relay is set for Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Campbell Junior High School track. Teams from various local businesses, churches and other groups will set up tents, there will be games and other activities as well as ceremonies to honor those currently battling cancer, celebrate those who have won their battle and remember those who did not.

Laps around the track will be taken throughout the night — some to honor cancer survivors, lost loved ones and those who acted as caregivers, and others to symbolize the ongoing fight against the disease.

As the American Cancer Society notes, “Cancer patients don’t stop because they’re tired, and for one night, neither do we.”

We encourage the community to attend and support this worthy cause.

 

Editorials represent the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. The board is comprised of publisher Michael Caldwell and managing editor Whitney Leggett. To inquire about a meeting with the board, contact Caldwell at 759-0095.