One of the Niles area’s largest and most important fundraisers of the year — the Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life — is just one month away.

That means there is still time for you to join in the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at Niles High School.

So far, 35 teams have signed up to walk around the school’s track in an effort to raise money and awareness for cancer and cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

Organizers have already exceeded last year’s number of registered teams, according to the event’s Facebook page. They are now shooting for 40 teams, so we are encouraging everyone to help them reach that goal by signing up for this annual event.

Why sign up?

There are many reasons.

The greatest one is that by joining in, you are helping save lives.

Money raised at the event goes to the American Cancer Society, a nationwide non-profit dedicating to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.6 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year and that there will be nearly 600,000 new cancer deaths.

That means if you haven’t been diagnosed with cancer or fought cancer before, chances are you know someone who has.

Every step you take around the track is one step closer to a potential cure.

Another great reason to go is that Relay is more than just a fundraiser. It is a place to meet other people who are passionate about fighting the disease. It is a place to find inspiration and support from cancer survivors, and it is a place to remember those who have died from cancer.

If you can’t be there, please donate to a participating team.

Chances are the money will wind up helping someone you love.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.