In a climate that is often terribly divided on just about every topic — politics, climate, immigration, where to eat lunch — one topic seems to unite us, cancer.

I have often written about the amazing objectivity cancer seems to have.

It doesn’t seem to care about race, religion, creed, social status, level of education or the college football team for which you choose to cheer.

It sees everyone in the same light, everyone on the same level.

For years, I have been associated in one way or another with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in the communities in which I lived.

From Clanton, Ala., to Suffolk, Va., to Selma, Ala., and now to Vicksburg, I have made it a point to do what I can — as much as I can — to support the local Relay for Life effort.

Since moving to Vicksburg in 2014, I have kept that commitment and have made sure The Vicksburg Post has been a supporter for the Relay for Life on a number of levels.

Since 2014, we have had teams, worked to raise money, donated space for stories and public service announcements and created a special section that now is published ahead of the annual Relay for Life that shares stories and information about the event and the people who make it so special.

This year, the Warren County Relay for Life has launched a new program, adding to its mission of sharing crucial information about cancer, the research going on to eventually defeat the disease and lifestyle choices that could help prevent the onset of certain cancers.

The program, Power In Purple, which launched March 6, featuring five distinguished gentlemen in our community, is also designed to raise much-needed funds to support the Warren County Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society and cancer research.

During this six-week campaign, which ends Friday, April 17, the day of the Warren County Relay for Life, these five men will be raising money to support the American Cancer Society by setting out to raise a minimum of $1,500 each.

The five taking part in the campaign are: Mutual Credit Union’s Joe Thom, Ameristar’s Gerard Hardy, State Rep. Oscar Denton, ERDC commanding officer Col. Bryan Green and Dr. Casey Fisher, pastor of Greater Grove Street Missionary Baptist Church.

The candidate who raises the most money will be announced during Relay For Life at 7 p.m. on April 21, at Vicksburg High School, and will be awarded the title Power in Purple Candidate of the Year for Warren County.

The money raised in Power In Purple will go toward the overall goal of this year’s Warren County Relay for Life, which is $70,000.

I would encourage everyone to log on and chip in. A goal of $70,000 is a big goal for our Relay for Life, but we can reach the goal if we all work together and contribute.

I appreciate these men for volunteering and again commit The Post to doing what we can — as much as we can — to defeat cancer once and for all.
Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. Reach him at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com.