Regardless of your age, race, gender or religion, cancer has likely touched your life in one way or another.

The Dallas County Relay for Life is scheduled to take place this Friday at Selma’s Memorial Stadium, and we hope everyone in the community can take part in the event or support the teams and participants who will make the occasion a special night in Selma.

Relay for Life events take place at countless towns across the country to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The ACS uses those funds to further research into the study of cancer and cancer treatments.

It’s important to note that even more than serving as an opportunity to remember the loved ones we’ve lost to cancer over the years, the Dallas County Relay for Life is a chance for the entire community to come together and celebrate the survivors.

These are the stories we as a community need to celebrate, embrace and support.

Fittingly, the observance of the Dallas County Relay for Life began last night with the Sherri S. James Annual Survivors Banquet at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

Event organizer Tanya Miles said as of Tuesday evening 26 teams have signed up to take part in the Relay, meaning there will be somewhere between 300 and 400 participants.

After the success of the event in past years, Miles said she has a lofty goal for Friday’s event.

“We have a $100,000 goal for this year,” Miles said. “We have raised that amount in the past, and so, we are just putting trust in God that we can do it again this year.”

But they can’t do it without your help.

Donate, sign up a team or volunteer your time Friday. Just be there.

With time running out before Friday’s event, Miles said the best way for people to sign up or volunteer would be to call her at 412-9675.

There are countless events held throughout the year in Selma that strive to make the community better, but Friday’s Relay can change the world.