I've seen the damage that cancer can do in this world, and I'm sure you have, too.

Husbands and wives become widows and widowers. Children grow up without their parents. Parents watch helplessly as their children fight for their lives. Daily activities become absorbed by endless doctor's appointments, visits to the hospital, and thoughts of losing hope.

You might not know who I am, but you don't have to. You see, we already have a history together. We know what can happen when cancer takes over, and we know that if we don't stand together right now, cancer will never stop.

Cancer does not care if you are 2 years old or 82 years old. Cancer does not care if you are a teacher or a doctor. Cancer does not care if you are a single parent of four kids or a college student chasing your dreams. Cancer does not discriminate. And it only reminds us that we are not invincible.

But we are living in a time where more individuals, families, high schools, colleges, counties, and cities are coming together to support one another as they endure the journey that cancer has taken them on. Through Relay For Life, communities are formed and volunteers work endlessly and tirelessly to bring comfort, love, and hope to their participants. These communities become a part of the fight against cancer, driven by the fact that cancer never stops. These communities become a source of inspiration and hope for every individual fighting this fight. And with every donation, every dollar, every lap around that track, these caregivers, survivors, and fighters know that they are one step closer to a world without cancer.

I am here today, asking, begging, pleading with you to join me in this fight. This fight to provide our patients with the care they need as they are going through treatment. This fight to support our caregivers as they sacrifice their days to care for their loved ones. This fight to provide researchers and doctors the chance to continue to find a cure. This fight to guarantee every fighter another day, another year, another birthday to look forward to.

Join me in this fight.

It doesn't matter where you are, because through Relay For Life, I will stand with you, always. I will stand with you through the pain. I will stand with you through the fight that you are fighting. And I will stand with you through the day we find a cure and beyond.

You and I may only be two people, but we could be the two people who make a difference in this fight against cancer.

I will stand with you, always. And I will Relay for you, always.