If you do nothing else this weekend, we urge you to check out the Relay for Life at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds.

The relay is truly a grassroots effort in the battle against cancer. Its powerful messages of hope show just how far we’ve come toward a cure for the disease, and the money it raises offers further hope in the dream to someday make cancer only a memory.

There are opening ceremonies tonight at 6 p.m. with the survivors’ lap &045;&160;truly an inspiring sight &045;&160;to follow. There are opportunities to donate to the cause through silent and live auctions, buying luminary bags, and even the kids can get involved in playing carnival games and giving to the cause.

And then there is the luminaria lighting at dusk, or about 9 p.m. Candles in white bags decorated in memory of or in honor of people whose lives have been touched by cancer will line the track and spell out &8220;HOPE&8221; in the grandstand. It is truly a beautiful sight.

Teams will be walking around the track until 6 a.m. and we encourage people to come out and share a few laps with them to show support. There will also be entertainment through the night, until the 6 a.m. closing ceremony.

Most everyone has had a relative, friend or neighbor who has fought or succumbed to cancer. It touches all of us.

Together, we can make a difference in finding a cure.