A few white paper bags and a handful of candles sent a powerful message Friday night along the levee in Vidalia.

A group of students from Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus used the everyday items to spell out a simple, yet powerful message: H-O-P-E. Lighted bags also formed a small ribbon that capped off the message as a poignant exclamation point.

Flickering in the warm May evening, the small glowing bags drove the true meaning of the Relay for Life home. Sure, the evening was filled with fun, food and frolic, but the real meaning, the real message, was one of hope.

This year’s event raised more than $250,000 to help with cancer research. That’s a more than 25-percent increase over last year’s total.

Years ago when the doctor gave a diagnosis of cancer, the outcome was almost always grim. Through years of research, using funds raised by events such as Friday’s, cancer researchers greatly improved the odds.

Cancer is no longer a death sentence. Cancer can be overcome and the survivors who participated in the survivors’ lap on Friday night proved just how many locals have fought the battle.

Soon, the tireless volunteers and organizers will begin to work on next year’s relay. As they do, we pause to say “thanks” for all the hard work and for giving us all a bit more hope.