A couple of sudden and violent storms this spring have shown us the power of a circulating pattern. A sunny spring day can get swept up in a vortex of energy and twisted into something powerful, making lasting changes in the landscape — and in people’s lives. Because we want to believe in an underlying balance and harmony in this world, we hope these destructive natural forces have a counterbalancing force that generates more positive changes in our lives. It appears our hopes will be realized this weekend as that annual tornado of activity known as the Relay For Life circulates around the track on June 9–10 at Newtown High School raising money for the good work of the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Since it started in 1985 as a 24-hour “Run Against Cancer” in Tacoma, Wash., what is now known as the Relay For Life has spread throughout the United States and to 24 countries, evolving into a worldwide effort to end cancer. In Newtown, the event has gained momentum over the years, culminating last year in a local fundraising effort that raised more than $335,000 for the ACS, involving nearly 90 teams and 1,200 registered participants. This year, Relay organizers hope to push that record to $375,000.

In addition to the annual highlights of the event seen in previous years — the initial relay lap by survivors and caregivers and the ceremony of hope to commemorate those lost to cancer, to support those are fighting cancer, to celebrate with those who have won that fight — there will be a rare opportunity for the community to participate in an important cancer prevention study, known as CPS-3. The study gives ordinary people a chance to directly participate in research that will lay the groundwork for cancer prevention and treatments for the future by assessing the impact of lifestyle, behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors on the prevention or spread of cancer.

If you are participating as a member of a Relay team or are supporting the event as a volunteer, congratulations and thanks. If you are not, we urge you to turn out at the high school stadium to show your support and to witness the incredible power of this community force for good. See details on the event below. It promises to be a perfect storm for positive change.