Freeborn County already has a strong tradition of supporting the American Cancer Society, with more than three decades of successful bike-a-thons and, of course, an annual good reception for the spring daffodil sale. There’s no reason why the arrival of the ACS’s largest worldwide fundraiser, the Relay for Life, can’t be a successful complement to the already strong local tradition of supporting lifesaving cancer research.

In the Relay for Life, participants raise money for the cause by getting people to sponsor them in an all-night walk where team members alternate walking around a track. Ceremonies will remember participants’ loved ones who have fallen victim to cancer and recognize those who have survived it.

The event is another chance for people in Freeborn County to show their support for cancer research. And with 60 percent of the proceeds going to local programs, the benefit will be seen locally.

Cancer research is constantly making new strides that save lives, as local survivors can attest. It’s good to have another way to support that research and to come together as a community to recognize cancer’s impact.