The fight against cancer can certainly seem daunting.

If often seems no matter the amount of money raised we still see cancer rear its ugly heads among our groups of friends and families.

Against that backdrop it’s only natural that Warren County’s Relay for Life organizers may be feeling a little discouraged. The local Relay for Life is raising less money than it used to because participation has declined while the costs for the American Cancer Society to help cancer patients has risen.

“Since 2013, the number of teams has gone from 25 to less than 10. This has negatively impacted the funds we raise, reducing those totals by 80 percent,” said Cathy Burnett. “In those same years, nothing about cancer has changed. Cancer is still with us.”

The local Relay for Life committee is trying to shake things up this year, moving the event from Betts Park to North Warren. There has been an increase in business sponsorships. Those who want to participate can visit secure.acsevents.org, enter the zip code 16365, and click “Sign Up” under the Relay For Life of Warren County heading.

We hope relay organizers see the success they are hoping for. But if they don’t, perhaps further changes are necessary. Some other smaller areas have moved from a 24-hour event to mini rallies with a 5K race and food truck to make the event more of a celebration of cancer survivors. Those may be ideas worth considering if a 24-hour event proves unsuccessful.

There is a lot of competition for dollars these days among dozens of worthwhile causes. Kudos to those who are so invested in the fight to find a cure for the cancers that wreak havoc among our families and friends. Their dedication deserves our respect and, on June 18, some of your time and money, too.