The St. John Professional Fire Fighters Association was represented in numbers and strength helping raise money for cancer in the Relay For Life Event on May 1. We raised over $2,000 with the help of the community, local businesses, neighbors, family and friends.

Cancer has touched all lives in some manner. It is another reminder that we should appreciate our families and friends and try to do something that matters no matter how big or small every day.

As a firefighter we deal with difficult things everyday. Sometimes we are referred to as heroes. The real heroes are the families and individuals that have to deal with cancer everyday. They have to get up and face the day knowing that there are going to be some tough things they are going to have to deal with. These are the real heroes.

Our prayers go out to all the families that have lost a loved one to cancer and the families that are battling cancer. Hopefully one day there will be a cure to cancer. We can never give up the fight.

Michael Heath is president of the St. John Professional Firefighters Association.