WALKING HAS never been more in vogue. Its health values are immeasurable.

Walking takes on added significance this weekend at two local venues.

Both Bellaire and Connorville (Buckeye Local High School) will play host to Relays for Life. A week later, the Harrison County Relay for Life is scheduled at Scio.

The events are staged to bring an awareness to the never-ending fight against cancer while raising funds in the process.

This year’s theme is “No Place Like Hope.”

For those battling cancer, Relay for Life serves as a harbinger of hope.

Activities get under way Friday and continue through Saturday morning.

Relay for Life offers more than walking. Activities of all varieties will be featured at both venues. Some of the events include survivor’s walk, luminaria ceremony, auctions and fight back ceremony.

Food will be abundant, tasty and affordable.

Also in abundance will be a sense of unity and conviction against America’s most dreaded and relentless disease. Cancer knows no bounds and plays no favorites. It is heartless and can strike anyone without warning.

That is why Relay for Life is so vital. It brings people more in tune with the disease.

The fight against cancer is making measurable gains. In 2005, there were 8 million cancer survivors. Today, that number has grown to nearly 12 million. Four million more people conquering the disease in just six years is a heart-warming statistic.

The Buckeye Local Relay has set a goal of $67,000 while the Bellaire Relay is shooting for $55,000. We hope both surpass those lofty totals this weekend.

You cannot put a price tag on human life, but the strides being made against cancer are indeed priceless.

We praise all those who are involved in staging the respective Relays for Life. Your work and passion saves lives.

We also urge those who have the ability to walk, to do so; and to those with the resources to donate, please dig deep. Your sacrifices may come back to save someone you love.