Editor's Note: This article was first printed on June 5, 2014. There have been minor edits.
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 today's Relay for Life.
The North Mississippi County 2015 Relay for Life/Cars Against Cancer event will be all day and all night at the Arkansas Aeroplex. 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 a variety of cars and several activities during the day, followed by the Relay portion tonight.
This evening will be emotional with the Survivor Walk and luminaries. But the event is 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 today, 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