We’ve all been affected by cancer.

Whether personally, in your family or through a friend, you’ve more than likely known someone who has battled this horrendous disease.

This month, many businesses, organizations and individuals have taken up the cause of raising awareness to fight breast cancer, but there will soon be another fight against all cancers right here in Madison.

On Thursday, Oct. 21, Relay For Life of Madison will hold its annual kickoff party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Dublin Park to begin the march towards the annual event April 29-30.

Relay, which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is an annual event that brings together cancer survivors and members of the community to raise money and awareness to fight the disease.

Each year, the kickoff party helps organize teams and individuals in the fundraising effort.

Through this collective effort nationwide, millions of dollars are raised and pledged to fight and seek a cure for cancer.

If you’ve never been to a Relay For Life event, you are truly missing out. From the camaraderie of bringing the community together for a great cause to the inspiring survivor lap, where cancer survivors are honored for their courageous fight, Relay is an event that we can all participate in and feel good about helping our fellow man.

Relay began in Tacoma, Wa. 25 years ago when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon, decided to run a marathon to raise money for his local chapter. For 24 hours, Klatt circled the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound, totaling more than 83 miles.

Throughout the night and day, others joined Klatt for a donation of $25 for 30 minutes, and together they raised more than $27,000.

The next year, 19 teams took part in the first team relay, raising more than $33,000.

While Klatt’s amazing story serves as an inspiration to all of us, there are many more stories just like his.

And for those who have fought, battled or lost a loved one to cancer, Relay also serves as a venue to find others who have dealt with the same pain, and to share with them.

But this battle against cancer cannot be done alone.

We encourage all businesses, schools, churches and organizations to take part in this year’s fight by joining Relay.

Whether it’s $1, $10, $100 or $1,000, every cent counts.

While The Madison Record is proud to take part in this year’s event, we are taking it a step further this year.

By simply clicking your mouse, you can help us raise even more money for Relay.

For every person who “Likes” either The Madison Record or the Madison County Record Facebook pages, we will donate 10 cents to Relay. That may not sound like much, but imagine if everyone in the county joined in: that would equal $26,000 dollars. In addition to our Facebook effort, we are also donating $10 of every Madison County Record subscription sold now through April 29 to Relay.

If you haven’t already made plans to participate in Relay, or don’t plan to, this is a way you can participate without even leaving your home.

We encourage all residents to take part in this year’s event because every person, individually and as a group, can and will make a difference.

To learn more about Relay For Life or to participate in this year’s event, visit Cancer.org, Relay For Life of Madison’s Facebook page or by calling 256.535.1084.

Every person can make a difference.