Once again, the Pearl River County community came together to raise awareness and funds for a worthy cause.
Saturday, the 20th annual Relay for Life of Pearl River County was held in downtown Picayune.
More than $52,000 was raised for cancer research and more than 512 people participated in the 5K and fun run.
The stars of the event were the 50 plus survivors that took part in Saturday’s kickoff survivor walk.
The Relay for Life events are held to raise awareness for cancer and, more importantly, to celebrate the lives of survivors and remember those who lost their battle with the disease.
There was not only group participation on Saturday, but many events were held during the weeks leading up to the Relay for Life that garnered community participation and inspired people to make generous donations.
Cancer’s grasp is far reaching and there are not many families this cruel disease has not affected.
Through efforts such as Relay for Life, research efforts are funded and the chances for finding a cure increase.
The important thing is to remember the ones who lost their battle with this disease and to continue searching for a cure so their deaths will not be in vain.
We salute the survivors for their bravery during their fight.
We also salute the caregivers who spend their days and nights selflessly taking care of their loved ones.
Thank you to the coordinators who orchestrated the events.
Lastly, we applaud the people of our community.
Without your dedication, support and time, the Relay for Life events would not have been as successful as they were.