In just this week alone, we have heard of at least four people in our community who have recently been diagnosed with cancer or a recurrence; and sadly, we have also lost several as well.

Many of you know these people or others who are facing the same diagnosis. The American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, which is in May in our community, is a vital link in providing the necessary funding to allow cancer research to continue. Countless, unselfish and tireless volunteers have bake sales, car washes, yard sales, pink flamingos and many more creative ways to raise funds for the cancer research needed to keep youngsters from losing a parent, parents from losing a child and 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 fall.

Many of you know someone with the cancer diagnosis, struggling to get out of the darkness and back into the light.

They may be young or old, but someone who tugs at your heart strings. As most of you know, October was Breast Cancer Awareness month.

We’ve all seen the pink ribbons on billboards, television, magazine articles, and even on the NFL football players, some who are even wearing pink cleats!

But cancer is not limited to just breast cancer, so during the fall, the committee hosts the 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 will you cope financially when your husband is stricken and can’t work? How is this going to affect our family? Come to the forum and find out.

Our guest speakers are unashamed and willing to share their stories. They will take you by the hand and walk with you down that path of uncertainty.

Our physician speaker this year will be Dr. Beverly Love, ob-gyn.

He came to our area in the fall of 2010 and is affiliated with Natchez Regional Medical Center.

Also, 8-year-old cancer survivor, Lil Tony Fields, will give his story of how cancer has affected his young life. I’m sure you will not want to miss Tony’s heartwarming story.

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.

The forum is free of charge and we ask only that you come and bring a friend or two. Refreshments will be provided, and we will have lots of great door prizes. You could be a lucky winner of both a door prize and lots of great information.

Please join us at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Natchez Grand Hotel Ballroom in Natchez. We hope to see you there!

Sherry Kiser is the 2011 chairman of the Relay for Life of the Miss-Lou.