It’s all about hope.

The second annual Freeborn County Relay for Life gets under way this Friday at 6 p.m., running until 6 a.m. Saturday morning. Teams and individuals will walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s programs of research and education.

We urge people to go out and see what it’s all about. People can find entertainment and food, an extensive silent auction, and the inspiring message of those who have survived cancer. They can also remember loved ones who have lost a battle with cancer through the purchase of luminary bags &045; the bags with the candles in them.

Organizers of the first Relay for Life last year were pleasantly surprised when they surpassed their fund-raising goal by $12,500.

But then perhaps they shouldn’t have been.

A person would be hard-pressed to find someone whose life hasn’t been touched by cancer, whether that person has lost a parent, child or spouse or good friend to the disease and seen them suffer. Cancer knows no socio-economic boundaries and has no respect for age.

By purchasing luminary bags and supporting the Relay’s other activities, people can help fight cancer and get us closer to a cure.

There are few things so beautiful as the lighted bags surrounding the track and in the grandstand at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds during the Relay for Life.

Help be a light of hope for someone with cancer by supporting the Relay this Friday night.