Raising money for any worthy cause shouldn’t be a chore, but done with faith and a glad heart. Relay For Life is an example. Judging from the website for the local effort — which includes Franklin, Southampton, Emporia and Greensville — there are several groups and individuals who have evidently found much pride and success in generating funding to battle cancer in its myriad forms.

To date, over $53,700 out of $100,000 has been raised, and we’re confident the numbers will continue to go up, up, up.

As we pointed out last year, Relay is an empowering, emotional as well a fun event. First, survivors and those who have lost loved ones to the disease can feel that they’re fighting back. Second, the survivors’ lap and luminaria ceremony offers participants the chance to remember and reflect. Third, this year’s theme, “The Greatest Relay,” will bringing some exciting and fun activities ‘under the big top’.

You can find out yourself by participating in the event, which takes place today, June 8, from 3 to 10 p.m. The site will be Barrett’s Landing in downtown Franklin. The Survivors’ Lap will begin at 7 p.m., followed by recognitions and then the Luminaria ceremony.