Downpours Friday night might have postponed a portion of the annual Relay for Life by one day, but it did nothing to dampen spirits or drench the determination that this year’s event would be as good as those in the past.

While we don’t yet know the exact total raised — teams have until the end of July to round up all the donations — during this year’s Relay, one thing’s for certain — like those before it, the event was a success from the moment the first cancer survivor touched tennis shoe to pavement for the survivor’s lap.

By midday Saturday, Relay committee members knew that over $300,000 had been raised, with money still to be collected. If that’s not success we don’t know what is. Given the current economic climate, it’s far more than that, really. It’s not just successful, it’s miraculous and it goes to prove that people in Sampson County believe in this cause and want to do their part to rid the world of its grasp.

If the battle against cancer could be won merely by a people’s will to give their all to overcome it, then the deadly disease would have been wiped out completely by the time balloons were launched on the Clinton High football field Saturday.

To all those who participated in the Relay — the diehards who refused to let rain keep them from their mission; the sponsors who made the event a fitting tribute to cancer survivors, cancer victims and the families of both; the event staff who worked countless hours, giving up sleep and precious time with family to see that the event came off without a hitch; the participants, who walked, cheered, cried and prayed all in an effort to do their part to help the fight against cancer — we offer our heartfelt thanks and we tip our hat for a job well done.

This year’s Relay was touching and spirit-filled; gutsy and heart-warming; uplifting and chilling. At once, those who were a part of Relay could join in a tremendous celebration of life and bow their heads in quiet prayer, remembering those who fought so bravely, walked the same walk, joined in the Relay in years’ past and yet fell victim to cancer’s deadly claws.

It is because of both groups — the survivors and the victims — that Relay for Life is so important. The money raised helps with vital research that will lead to a cure. That cure may not happen tomorrow and it might not happen next week, but it will happen.

Being a part of Relay means we will be a part of the cure.

And being a part of Relay means we are a part of one of the most special celebrations to ever take place in Sampson County.

While the Relay is a sure reality-check, it is also the one opportunity we all have to see the true human spirit at work, to feel the energy of people strengthened by faith, love and courage, and to share in the joy of another day.