On July 27, Relay for Life once again takes to the track at Friday Harbor High School to raise critical funding for the fight against cancer and to honor survivors and victims of the disease.

And, once again, the Journal hopes that you will join dozens of your fellow islanders in walking, running or just cheering on the community teams that come together to “go the extra mile” as part of the American Cancer Society’s annual nationwide fundraiser.

From the inspiring opening ceremony on Saturday evening to the hope-filled closing ceremonies on Sunday morning, you will have the opportunity to honor and support cancer survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and raise funds and awareness to help end cancer forever.

Especially the “first lap,” when survivors and their loved ones parade around the track to show us all what, and who, this is all about. It’s about all of those who have faced this frightening disease, lived with it and died with it – and its about you, who have helped in the past and continue to give in the present.

Then, the Luminaria Ceremony, just after dark, lights up the track and casts a warm glow of remembrance for past lives lost and future lives saved because of the generosity and kindness of the hundreds of islanders like you who work and contribute to help their neighbors, their grandchildren and themselves.

If you’ve been affected by cancer in any way, being part of the Relay event empowers you to make a difference and fight back. If you have not been affected by cancer, maybe joining your neighbors in being part of Relay for Life can be an unspoken thank-you for your good fortune and a material thank-you to the American Cancer Society and thousands of volunteers nationwide who have dedicated themselves to helping others – and helping you.

Join friends and neighbors like Islanders’ Bank, Mike Scott of Herb’s, Cathy Tochluk of Soroptimists and Mike Hamlette of the San Juan Island School District to make this the best and most successful Relay for Life ever!

To join a team, call Mike Scott at 360-317-5927. To volunteer to help, call Amy Campbell at 425-791-4203 or e-mail amy.campbell@cancer.org.

Give. And you shall receive.