It’s already a special event in and of itself, but this year’s Northern Michigan University Relay for Life has a twist that will draw even more interest to it and consequently in the event’s effort to raise funds to help to battle cancer.

The relay, which begins at noon today and ends at noon Saturday at NMU’s Vandament Arena, will feature a raffle for an item donated by some supporters from Alger County’s Relay for Life.

With permission to use NMU’s logos, Tim and Jon Flynn of Modern Woodsmith in Munising created a work of art, a one-of-a-kind Relay for Life plank, with a Wildcat theme. The plank will be given away as part of a raffle, with tickets priced at just $1.

Relay for Life is an international movement – people in some 20 countries take part – with more than 4 million participants. It is an event that benefits the American Cancer Society and the fight to end cancer once and for all.

This year’s fundraising goal for the NMU Relay for Life is $25,000, an increase from last year’s ending balance of about $23,000.

We hope many community members drop by sometime during the 24 hours to see some of the best and brightest young people around participate in an event that’s both fun and poignant.

There may be silly costumes and goofy games going on during NMU’s Relay for Life, but the objective of being part of the war against cancer is a serious one.

We know many of these young women and men have been touched by cancer, be it through a family member, a friend or even their own battles.

For those who cannot make it over to Vandament Arena, there are other ways to be supportive. To donate or for more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/nmumi or email NMURelay@nmu.edu.

Until the scourge of cancer is eliminated, events like Relay for Life are a needed weapon in the battle. Please support Relay as you can.