On May 7 and 8 the American Cancer Society hopes to raise $65,000 through its annual Relay for Life. It’s not the only one with that hope.

The Relay for Life is the society’s main fund-raiser each year and the largest fund-raising event in the world. Starting at 6 p.m. on May 7, teams of eight to 10 members will walk around the track at the Lion’s Club Park. The first group to walk around the track will be cancer survivors. For the next 12 hours at least one member from each team will be on the track.

We are often asked to donate money to a cause. Indeed, each Relay for Life participant has pledged to raise at least $100 or more. However, raising money is one thing. Donating your time is something else.

And walking around a track is something else entirely.

We encourage Selma and Dallas County residents to mark May 7 and 8 on their calendars now. Both men and women, young and old will be walking to raise money for the American Cancer Society. They deserve our support.

And while everyone can’t don a pair of running pants and join a team, we can all wave, cheer and encourage those who are on the track as they donate more than just money.

They’re donating themselves.

People interested in learning more about the Relay for Life can contact Karl Jones at 872-0110 or Brenda Tuck at 876-9783.