Relay for Life Franklin County gets underway this evening at the county fairgrounds in Greenfield.
We can’t imagine that this annual event focused on the fight with cancer — in its 21st year here — is unfamiliar to any county residents.
After all, the event raises money for the American Cancer Society so that it can continue to financially back research into the causes of this disease and possible preventions and cures.
This fundraising also allows the American Cancer Society to take a more personal and individual approach to helping cancer patients and their loved ones. Money goes toward Hope Lodges, places where cancer patients and their caregivers can stay while receiving treatment far from home. It also goes toward other needs, such as transportation, helping cancer patients with beauty tips so that they don’t feel self conscious about their appearance during treatment and a program that matches breast cancer survivors with those who have just received the diagnosis of this particular disease.
Last year, $225,000 was raised here in Franklin County, but this year’s target is at $230,000.
Just as important, the Relay for Life is a chance to gather the many different people whose lives have been dramatically affected by cancer: from those who have lost family and friends to the disease to the survivors and the people who supported them during their treatment.
Given how many people are diagnosed with cancer a year — the American Cancer Society on its website says for 2016 there will be an estimated 1,685,210 new cancer cases — this disease and its impact truly reaches far into our community in so many ways. Add to the equation the number of people who have had a family member or friend die from cancer — a total that will grow an estimated 595,690 cancer deaths in the U.S. in this year alone — and it’s no wonder that so many people take this fight so personally .
Today, then, they gather. Many will walk or run the fairground track in individual or team fundraising efforts through tonight and into Saturday afternoon.
They join in lending companionship and support to those people who have beaten the odds.
Or it’s to remember those who lost the fight to cancer and to hear from friends and family the personal stories of lives ended too soon.
We know that there’s always room for more, to witness, to participate or to make a donation. If you aren’t already planning to be part of this event that celebrates life as well as the fight against cancer, consider becoming part of this year’s Relay.