Cancer is one of the nation’s biggest health concerns. It is nearly impossible to find someone who has not been impacted by one of the many forms of the disease, either personally or through a loved one.

Cancer does not discriminate based on age, sex, religion, economic or social status.

That’s why it is more important than ever to raise awareness as well as funds for research so we can one day win the fight against the disease.

One of the major ways people are accomplishing both those goals is Relay for Life.

Lawrence County is one of the many communities across the world that has organized events for the relay coming up this Saturday.

Already, several schools in the county have had mini relay events to raise money before the main, countywide relay at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.

If you have never participated in Relay for Life, the event is a powerful and moving tribute to those who succumbed to their battle with cancer, as well as celebrates those who have survived.

Money raised goes to the American Cancer Society for research, funding Hope Lodge facilities for those who whose cancer treatments take them far from home, the Road to Recovery transportation program, Look Good Feel Better programs and Reach to Recovery support groups.

Since Relay for Life began in 1985, the movement has raised about $5 billion to fight cancer.

Each year Lawrence County participates in the event is just that much more cancer research that can be done and that much more support that can be given to the people battling the disease.