Cancer in its myriad forms affects people the world over directly or indirectly. When it’s growing inside of you, there’s little denying the effect. Those around you endure the affects of the disease and any treatment.

But because of the dedication of health professionals and volunteers, &uot;The Big C&uot; is no longer the certain death sentence it once was.

Part of the reason stems from the money for research raised by events like tonight’s Relay of Life at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

Appropriately, the survivors’ walk starts if off at 7 p.m. It’s inspiring to see people who have lived to tell the tale, some more than once. Later at 9 p.m., an illumination will take place as a memorial to persons who were overcome, but not forgotten.

Rocking through the night, or walking around a track won’t automatically cure anybody outright, but the funds raised through various means are dedicated to finding cures, treatments and educating people about cancer.

We can only do so much, but we should at least do something.

For any other interest or contribution, call 539-8789.