Cancer…that one little word has brought grown adults to their knees and ruined the lives of the young and old alike.

But while that word strikes fear in many of us, the tables appear to be turning.

Thanks to the efforts of the American Cancer Society, the medical community has used the funds to make great strides in the treatment and overall eradication of the disease.

One of the ACS’ main fundraisers is Relay for Life, a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

Relay, the brainchild of Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, has grown from a single man’s passion to fight cancer into the world’s largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Among the numerous Relay events worldwide is one scheduled for this weekend (Friday-Saturday, April 23-24) at Chowan University in Murfreesboro. There, hundreds will gather for two days of celebrating, memorializing and raising money to continue the battle against cancer.

We encourage everyone in the Roanoke-Chowan area, and beyond, to attend this unique event – one where tears flow at one moment and laughter is heard the next.

Even if you or your family has dodged cancer’s wrath, please consider joining in on the festivities, purchase some of the delicious food offered at the event, buy a raffle ticket or shop for a wide variety of items.

While the money benefits the ACS, it will find its way back home because no one knows where cancer will strike its next victim.