David Campbell was a quiet, unobtrusive young man. He was blessed with a beautiful wife and three lively young sons.

During his six years at our firm, his unassuming manner gave way to a friend who would give you his shirt if he thought you needed it.

Living on the far side of Meadville, his commute was not envied, but one that he did dependably every day. So, when he decided last September that he no longer wanted to spend his days on the road and took a job closer to home, we were very saddened to see him leave us, but we certainly would not begrudge him more time with the three young boys who lovingly adored him.

But, we jokingly told him he needed to get his “hernia” fixed before he started his new job because surely his new employer might not love him as much as we did, even though we knew they would. On March 12, David drew his last breath, five days shy of his 38th birthday, having suffered for six months from, not a hernia, but cancer of the liver and intestines.

Not only did he leave behind his loving wife and three sons, but also countless friends and family who, seven months later, can still not believe that he is no longer here to watch his kids play ball or take his wife for walks through the woods near their home. Too soon — he was taken too soon.

I’m sure many of you know someone just like David; maybe not as young, maybe not as old, but someone who tugs at your heart strings.

For this reason, we have had the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on the first Friday in May for the past 11 years. Countless unselfish and tireless volunteers have bake sales, car washes, donkey basketball to raise funds for the cancer research needed to keep other youngsters from losing a parent, parents from losing a child, friends from losing a friend.

Because of the dedicated work of so many who help to make the Relay a success, the Miss-Lou Relay for Life Committee likes to give something back to the community each October. As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We’ve all seen the pink ribbons on billboards, television and magazine articles. But because cancer is not limited to just breast cancer, during the month of October, the committee hosts a Cancer Forum.

During these forums, we have guest speakers, who consist of area physicians, cancer survivors, and caregivers. These physicians and speakers give us vital information about cancer detection and cancer awareness. We all know how busy doctors are, but these physicians give freely of their time to help us educate the community about real health issues. How do you cope when your wife has just lost a breast? What do you say to the friend whose hair is falling out from strong doses of chemotherapy and radiation? How is this going to affect your family? Come to the Forum and find out.

Our guest speakers are unashamed and willing to lend their support and words of encouragement in any way they can. They will take your hand and walk with you down that path of uncertainty.

Our physician speakers this year are Dr. David Steckler Jr., a Natchez native and plastic surgeon residing in Jackson. Many of you know his mom, Dale Steckler; and who can forget the formidable presence of his late father, Dr. David Steckler, an area pathologist for many years. Mrs. Steckler always relishes the time she gets to spend with her family, and having David Jr. “come back home” gives her an excuse to visit with him. Dr. Geoff Flattmann will be another featured speaker. His talks are always informative, and we look forward to having Dr. Geoff with us again this year.

Cancer survivor Susan Weed will give her story of how cancer has affected her life; and Glenda Wilson, health initiatives volunteer with the American Cancer Society and a local social worker, will be there to explain the various programs and services available locally for cancer patients.

While not scheduled to speak, Dr. Jack Rodriguez and Dr. Roderick Givens, local oncologists, will be on hand to answer questions and to add comments or thoughts to the program. Whatever questions you have are sure to be covered by one of our astute guests.

Relay teams are encouraged to bring as many participants as they can. The team with the most representatives will get their choice of tent site or larger tent size, space allowing.

Oh, and did I mention food? You know those of us in the South look forward to any time we can get together and share good food and fellowship. Refreshments will be provided, and we will have lots of door prizes. You could be a lucky winner, of both a door prize and lots of great information, but you’ve got to come to get it. Please join us at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the new Vidalia Convention and Welcome Center. We’ll be looking for you!

Janis Holder is the 2008 chairman of the Relay for Life of the Miss-Lou.