Cancer is an insidious and hateful disease that takes way too much from too many, claiming innocent lives too young and leaving families and loved ones behind to pick up the pieces. It is a disease that has impacted each and every one of us in a very personal, and permanent, way.

It is also a disease that has created legions of survivors and volunteers who have made it their mission to end the cancer epidemic in our lifetime.

Relay for Life is an annual event sponsored by American Cancer Society that gives entire communities an opportunity to come together and celebrate the victories of cancer survivors, give thanks for caregivers, encourage and empower those fighting their own fight, remember and honor those whose battles have been lost, and raise money to find a cure.

The 2011 Franklin/Southampton Relay for Life will be held Saturday, June 4, at the field at Bronco Federal Credit Union. This year’s relay includes 27 teams comprised of more than 300 individual participants who have, to date, raised over $50,000. (Not that anyone’s keeping track, but the Bronco FCU Greenbacks team is leading the way so far as the top fundraising team.)

There are still a number of team fundraising events scheduled between now and the big day on June 4. We list most of them on our “It’s Happening Here” local events calendar in each issue of The Tidewater News.

We take this opportunity to salute each and every individual who has dedicated their time, money and energy to this most worthy of causes. We ask you to join us in honoring their efforts by lending your support to these various events.