Let this serve as a reminder that the Relay for Life events still to come in Mahoning County include the Springfield Relay scheduled for June 18th and 19th at Springfield High School stadium, and the Poland event, to be held July 9th and 10th at Poland Seminary High School.

It's hard to imagine many individuals whose lives have not been somehow touched by cancer.  

I have taken part in the relay for two years now, in one way or another; walking, working concessions, and covering the events for the Town Crier.

More importantly, my involvement has been in honor of my father, who lost his own battle many years ago at the age of 55.  

Expressing the sense of support, camaraderie and friendship evident at a Relay for Life would be difficult.  As survivors, family and friends, and the general community unite for a cause, the experience can be overwhelming. 

It serves as a reminder that cancer is painful emotionally and physically, it alters lives, and sometimes takes them, but what cancer can't do is kill the human spirit.  It's alive and well at each and every Relay for Life event.

Do I get something out of the event?  Sure.  I continue to miss my dad every day, but in some small way, it helps to know there is something I can do.  

I encourage you to join in, be a part of an enormous group of people with stories that will touch your heart and make you glad you came.