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In a recent letter to the editor ("Keep it down at the relay," April 26), Travis Williams, a Christiansburg resident, made issue of the noise generated during the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Montgomery County, which is held annually at Christiansburg High School.

While I can certainly sympathize with the writer's need for sleep, I hope he could also understand how important it is for our community to come together and celebrate our collective victories in the ongoing battle against cancer. Most -- if not all -- of the hundreds of people who participate in the event have been directly affected by this horrible disease.

As a result, Relay for Life is an event full of emotion. From the exuberance of the opening ceremonies, to the swell of pride and achievement we experience watching the survivors walk their lap, to the profound sadness and emptiness we feel during the luminary ceremony, we share laughter, hugs and tears.

Cancer has left its mark on so many people, in so many ways. Relay gives us an opportunity to remember those we have lost, fight back against the disease that has taken so much from us, and celebrate the one thing we must all hold on to -- hope.

True, we do play music and enjoy a number of activities throughout the night, but this is about more than a single event. Everyone involved with the relay has been fighting back since our kick-off in August 2008.

I would also like to point out that the Relay For Life of Montgomery County is in the top 10 nationwide per capita funds to fight the disease. That alone should give us reason to celebrate! These funds support a number of programs offered locally as well as in the surrounding communities.

If Williams and other nearby residents have issues with the noise, I truly hope they will stop and think about the sleepless nights cancer victims have had because they were in excruciating pain or nauseous from treatments. Alternatively, I ask them to consider the families and caregivers who go without sleep to care for their loved ones and spend every waking second they can with their parent, spouse, sibling or friend because they don't know what the next day will bring.

Cancer doesn't mind keeping us up at night. There are simple ways to get around an uncomfortable level of noise. If only cancer were that easy.

For anyone who has not had the opportunity to experience Relay For Life, I would like to personally invite you to join us on Friday, May 29 at Christiansburg High School.

This one night out of the year belongs to all of us.

Sandi Merrix is the chair for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Montgomery County. She lives in Christiansburg.