Local folks already are lining up sponsors for the annual Relay for Life.

It’s a worthy project, raising money for cancer research. And very important here, especially since our community has lost the medical portion of its oncology clinic.

Relay for Life is scheduled for April 30 at Memorial Stadium, and there are various ways to participate, including the purchase of luminaries in honor of those who have died from or those who survived cancer.

Almost all of us are touched by this disease — a relative, friend or acquaintance.

It seems the cures are improving each year, but so much more must be done.

In 2009 in Alabama alone the American Cancer Society estimates 9,900 people died of cancer. The greatest number of them died from lung and bronchus, 3,000. The next largest group was cancer of the colon and rectum, 900.

Want to put a face on cancer?

Take a look at Patty Sexton, a Selma city employee. She wears the ribbon of a survivor. Not once, but twice.

She’s a strong survivor and is fighting now for others by promoting the Relay for Life.

April 30 might seem like a long time away, but it’ll be here in a flash.

Will you help?

It’ll make a difference.