Cancer doesn't care.
It matters not if you're black, white, blue, green, male, female, rich or poor.
Cancer could care less if you live alone or have a family that depends on you.
The disease doesn't care if you're a popular radio personality, a guy driving a tractor, a police officer sworn to protect and serve or someone plugging away at the steel mill.
Anyone can develop cancer at any time -- whether he or she is in the prime of their lives, just beginning life or trying to enjoy their golden years.
Cancer touches everyone, in some way. Everyone knows someone who has been delivered the life-altering news: "You have cancer." Some have battled the disease themselves; others have supported loved ones going through treatments. All are hoping and praying for the day when cancer is eradicated.
The fight against cancer rages on with events like this weekend's Relay for Life.
The North Mississippi County 2014 Relay for Life is slated for 6 p.m.-midnight Friday at the Arkansas Aeroplex with a theme: "A Place Where Cures Come True." The Relay raises money for cancer research and American Cancer Society programs, along with celebrating survivors and reflecting on those who didn't overcome the disease.
All across America, teams of people will gather at schools, fairgrounds or parks and take turns walking or running laps during their respective designated Relay For Life weekends. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.
There will be several activities, including the Survivor and Caregiver Ceremony, music, food, games, train rides for the little ones and more.
The one event notably missing is the Cars and Cycles Against Cancer, which isn't happening for the first time in several years, for whatever reason.
Last year, some 400 bikes, cars and trucks were parked at the Aeroplex, participating in the Cars and Cycles Against Cancer. And there has been good participation every year, thanks to the hard work of guys like Steve Southard.
But, even without the car show, undoubtedly, local officials will put on another successful Relay for Life.
Friday's event will be an emotional night and an important one in kicking cancer's butt -- an unofficial local mantra.
One never knows when he or she will be the one needing support to battle the disease. There are almost 14.5 million cancer survivors alive in the United States today, and that number will grow to almost 19 million by 2024, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society.
A number of local cancer survivors have benefited from ACS programs over the years. Donations from Relay For Life have allowed area cancer patients to receive items ranging from gasoline vouchers to hair loss products and mastectomy supplies.
For those who can, I encourage you to participate in the local Relay For Life this weekend, whether it be on a Relay team, purchasing a luminary or simply being a patron at one of the Relay booths.
The fight against cancer takes everyone coming together. It's certainly a worthy cause to support. For information, help, or to become a volunteer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit its website at cancer.org.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com