Each year, millions gather in 18 different countries to take part in the annual Relay for Life event to combat what may seem an insurmountable opponent.

These American Cancer Society-sponsored events raise millions of dollars to fund research that they hope will one day defeat cancer.

It is this core belief that cancer can be beaten — along with the precious opportunity to remember those who have fallen to the disease, celebrate with those who have beaten it and encourage those in the midst of their fight — that drives each organizer, volunteer and friend at each Relay for Life event.

Throughout the past few weeks, our reporters have worked to document just a handful of stories about local people who have been touched by this horrific disease. We have joined the families in crying tears of sadness and in remembering those who have fought but ultimately succumbed, and we have cried tears of happiness in celebrating those who have fought and won their battles.

Those stories will continue as we approach the May 14 Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for Life event to be held at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s track.

In addition to our coverage, we have launched the “We Give A Dime” campaign to help raise money for the Relay for Life. For every person who clicks to become a fan at the Suffolk News-Herald’s Facebook fan page, we will donate 10 cents to the cause.

Since we announced the campaign in Wednesday’s edition of the Suffolk News-Herald, online at www.suffolknewsherald.com and through our Facebook and Twitter pages, we have seen an overwhelming response.

In just a 24-hour period we saw a 31-percent increase in the number of fans, who will now follow the News-Herald through Facebook.

As we have said, this is a “blank check” promotion aimed not simply at increasing our audience but generating additional dollars for Relay for Life.

Cancer — in one way or another — has touched everyone’s life. The disease does not discriminate based on the color of a person’s skin, a person’s success in life or business. It is a disease without bias, which is what makes it such a strong opponent to defeat.

Events like the Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for Life, however, give us hope that people will one day defeat the disease.

There is no doubt in our mind that cancer will one day be relegated to the history books, and it just may be the 10 cents you help us raise today that helps put it there.