Editorials - 05/03/01

You can make a difference during the Relay For Life

In order to allow WCU student organizations to participate with the local community, this year's Relay has been moved up a month. Let's make that decision pay off with the largest turnout ever! Why should you participate? We know of 365 reasons - one for each day of the year - right here in Jackson County. That's how many cancer survivors - your neighbors and ours - are living in this area.

The Relay is not only an event to raise money for cancer research; it's also a reason to celebrate those who have survived, many of whom will walk, run or wheelchair the first lap, called the Survivor's Lap, at 8 p.m. on Friday. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution.

Luminaries are lit around 9 p.m. These small flames are lit in honor of the survivors and in remembrance of those who lost their battle with cancer. As the luminaries lining the track at WCU burn throughout the night, everyone is reminded of the ways each is affected by cancer. One in three Americans will get cancer in his lifetime - it could be your mother or father, your spouse, your child, your neighbor - or even you.

As you walk the track you will help raise funds for detecting cancer. Every known technique for treating cancer, including interferon and tamoxifen, was discovered by researchers who received American Cancer Society research grants.

Teams will camp out overnight at WCU, cooking up all sorts of culinary delights, making music, sharing stories and celebrating this annual event.

Cancer affects us all. Don't miss your chance to fight back.

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