EDITORIAL:

We admit we have a special connection to the Relay for Life. Nearly four years ago, the Daily Pilot lost one of its own to pancreatic cancer.

Since then, we have made sure that we are wellrepresented at this annual event put on by the American Cancer Society.

But we know we are not alone. We know that cancer has touched so many of us, so profoundly.

The Relay for Life this year was proof of that. The event, which had 46 teams and 1,000 attendees, raised more money than ever before — $186,000 plus. And $10,000 of that came from the team composed of Newport Beach City Hall employees.

The goal of the Relay for Life is simple: Defeat the scourge of cancer.

Pay a visit to the track field at Newport Harbor High during the event and you will see teams of people walking the course all in the name of a cure.

Some stay the entire night, camping out in tents and RVs. Add in the luminaries that dot the field during the evening festivities, complete with tributes to loved ones who have either succumbed or survived cancer, and it’s really an amazing sight.

Congratulations to all who took part in this great community event. Once again, the residents of Newport-Mesa have proved that they are so willing to give of themselves and so willing to be a part of a solution.

And maybe someday, if we all work hard enough, we can find a cure for this horrible disease and make the Relay for Life a Celebration of Life instead.