Cancer affects numerous families across Jackson County and in early May of each year teams of volunteers try to do something about it.

On May 1, members with 34 teams spent six hours walking laps around the track at Seymour High School’s Bullet Stadium to raise money for cancer research, support and outreach.

Cancer survivors, their families, caregivers and others raised $50,189 through the night of the event. They were joined by police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, military personnel and educators in celebration of this year’s theme, “A Night of Heroes.”

This year’s goal is $62,000, and there is still time to help out. Donations will be accepted through Aug. 31. There are two ways to help: Online at main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY15LS?pg=entry&fr_id=68161 or by calling Jan Engel at 812-528-0549.

The money is for the American Cancer Society, but those involved also want to raise awareness about cancer and the research into fighting it, to celebrate cancer survivors and to remember its victims.

Relay for Life is a nationwide fundraiser of the American Cancer Society. Teams spend months raising money, which goes to research and programs such as giving patients rides to their treatment and workshops to help women deal with hair loss.

The effort culminates in a walkathon, where team members take laps while bands perform and games are played. One team member needs to be walking at all times.

Activities are planned throughout the day and into the night. One of the most moving is the traditional survivors lap, when people who have beaten cancer walk the circuit for their respective teams.

But the most poignant is a luminaria salute to cancer victims. After sundown, the memorial flames are lit and line the track.

After the luminaria ceremony, the Glow Run 5K began at Seymour High School. That new event allowed participants, wearing glow sticks or superhero attire, to run or walk 3.1 miles and then return to the stadium to walks laps with Relay for Life participants.

The events and related activities are designed to get people involved in a cause, and they are rewarded with several hours of fun spent with like-minded neighbors.

We salute all of the Relay for Life teams that have dedicated their time to fundraising and will spend a day and night walking, walking and walking some more.

We urge the public to support the teams in their fundraising efforts and, if possible, attend one of the events to show support for those involved. The atmosphere is infectious, and you might just catch the “bug” and join or even start a team for next year’s campaign.

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Our point

Relay for Life offers a fun way to become involved in raising money for the American Cancer Society.

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At issue

Cancer touches the lives of many families in Jackson County

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