The numbers are staggering: Cardiovascular disease killed 945,836 Americans in 2000. Cancer killed 553,091.

Together, The two touch millions of lives each year – from friends and family of victims to the individuals who suffer through heart attacks, breast cancer, strokes and more.

That far-reaching impact helps drive our desire to "do something."

And the American Heart Association's Heart Walk

and American Cancer Society's Relay for Life are two excellent ways to satisfy that desire.

These two fund-raisers "kicked off" their their Pike County programs for 2003 on Thursday.

The American Heart Association's annual campaign in Pike County seeks to raise more than $26,000 this year. The money will help fund heart research and help raise awareness about America's number one killer – heart disease and stroke.

The Relay for Life, which is part of the American Cancer Society, seeks to surpass its 2002 goal of $275,000. Traditionally one of the top per capita programs in the nation, the Pike County Relay for Life is driven by the passion of its volunteer leaders and sustained by enthusiasm of the community.

Business teams, civic teams even individuals can help raise money for both worthy causes. And, with the community rallying around the teams and participants, these fund-raising events truly become a shared experience.

We urge you to find a way to take part – through a business team; a civic team; a church team; or even as an individual donor.

The ability to "do something" large or small lies with each of us.