Has your life been touched by cancer?

For most, the answer is yes. Whether it’s a loved one who has fought and won or a friend we’ve lost, the disease hits all ages and socio-economic groups.

By supporting the Relay for Life walk, you can help the battle against cancer by educating others and funding research that will someday make it go the way of polio.

The annual walk is held in thousands of communities across the United States, including Orcas Island. Thanks in part to funds raised by Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society has around $500 million in research grants in effect today. Last year, the Orcas Relay for Life contributed $16,000 to the cause. Organizers hope to double that amount this year.

The result of those research dollars? The American Cancer Society has about $4 billion in research for a cure. In 1946, 25 percent of cancer patients lived at least five years after diagnosis; today, that rate is 60 percent.

Orcas Relay for Life is July 10-11, 7 p.m. to 1 p.m., on the Orcas High School football field. Relay teams are comprised of former and current cancer patients, those who have lost a family member to cancer, families, businesses and civic organizations.

Teams collect donations and can win individual and team prizes for their efforts. Many participants camp at the relay site and, when they are not taking their turn on the field, hang out with their fellow walkers. It’s two days of positive energy in the face of darkness.

Relay for Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront. Many of those walking are our family, friends and neighbors who have their own history with cancer. Their involvement is proof of the progress in not only reducing death rates, but also in improving the quality of life following treatment.

If you can’t sign up for the walk, you can honor a loved one by purchasing a Luminaria to be lit on July 10 at 11 p.m. during a special ceremony. Dozens of warm lights will brighten up the night with the names of those who have died or are still fighting.

If a Relay for Life team member asks you for a donation, give what you can. If cancer hasn’t touched your life yet, there is a good chance it will someday. Maybe by that time your donation will have helped find a cure.