The Grand Blanc Relay for Life is this weekend, and if you have the time I would recommend stopping by to show your support for those who have battled and survived cancer, and to remember those who have been lost to the disease.

Few people don’t know of someone — a family member, friend or merely an acquaintance — affected by cancer, and with today’s advances in medicine and generally better health among the populace, there’s no reason why the push to find a cure can’t be within our grasp. Except for the funds to support research, of course. It always seems to come down to money.
More than 600 people participated in the 2006 Relay for Life of Grand Blanc, raising $83,000 to support research, education, patient support and advocacy efforts of the American Cancer Society.

Each year, more than 1.2 million Americans and their families confront cancer. About 48,000 Michigan residents will be diagnosed with some form cancer this year, while more than 19,000 will lose the battle, reports the American Cancer Society.
The good news is that cancer rates are on the decline for the first time since records have been kept tracking the disease, Carol Boom of the American Cancer Society says.

More still needs to be done, however — continued research and support for those who have cancer and better education on preventable forms of cancer.
Even if you don’t, or can’t, financially contribute, I’m sure the survivors and their families would love to see smiling faces of support at the event (which is at Grand Blanc High School, by the way).

Besides, there promises to be music, games, auctions and loads of other stuff for families to enjoy. It’s not just about solemn remembrance, as most people who have experienced cancer will tell you, it’s about celebrating life and the will to endure.

• Congratulations to Julie Avery, fourth grade teacher at Myers Elementary. Avery, who won the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce Educator of the year Award in March, has found a unique way to make class time fun.

Her Averyville — with the class as a little city of its own, complete with its own mayor and police officers — gives students a model to look into the “grownup” world of politics and popular sovereignty and solving problems.

If more of our elected officials had had such an approach when they were young, we’d all be better off. Check out the excellent story on page C-1.

More Tips