Another battle has been won in the war against cancer.

The 2011 Relay for Life in Beaufort County raised $131,573 to help defeat cancer. That’s a victory any way one looks at it. Although the fundraising event’s goal was $171,000, all donations had not been tallied at the end of the Relay for Life event at Washington High School’s Wagner Stadium April 30.

Beaufort County residents, businesses and nonprofits have been great supporters of Relay for Life, probably because most of them either have battled cancer themselves and survived, lost a loved one to cancer or simply believe it’s the right thing to do. Whatever the reason, Relay for Life has found excellent support in Beaufort County.

One fundraising team, the Bosom Buddies, raised more than 10 percent of the money taken in by the end of this year’s Relay for Life event. Bosom Buddies, a cancer-support group, raised $15,620. That’s serious fundraising. That’s a serious attack on cancer.

PotashCorp Aurora came in second, as if amounts raised by teams really matters, by raising $7,965. Union Chapel Church was just behind in third place by raising $7,644. It’s the collective effort in the war against cancer that matters and produces the greatest results in that war.

Cancer is no respecter of persons. Cancer attacks all folks, from ages 1 to 100, rich or poor and regardless of race, ethnic background or religion. Cancer is a killer. It’s a killer that must be stopped.

Relay for Life is much more than a fundraiser for a worthy cause. Relay for Life is a moving and fitting exercise in respect that speaks volumes about the love, courage and character of those who raise the money, walk around the track and raise awareness of the war against cancer. Relay for Life provides an opportunity for many people to honor cancer survivors and those lost to cancer.

The gathering of teams and others for the annual Relay for Life event at the WHS “Choppy” Wagner Stadium provides an opportunity for men, women and children affected by cancer to bond with others who know and share their particular pain. Some people find the experience cathartic č the thriving of joy, hope and faith where once only suffering and sorrow existed.

Relay for Life raises more than money. It raises hope, and it strengthens belief, that cancer not only can be defeated but that it will be defeated.

We’ve said it before, and we will say it again and again: Relay for Life is a commitment, celebration and creation of awareness that communities across the world should embrace.