If you're going to stay up all night, Friday wasn't a bad time to do it. A comfortable summer evening highlighted the annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life in the Northland over the weekend.

I had the honor of speaking briefly to the walkers before they started their trek at Oak Grove Park. As I told them, the true inspiration was all of the cancer survivors who were gathered there, doing their part to find a cure. Luminaries lined the trail in honor of those who died from the disease. I've had the opportunity to attend several Relay For Life events and they are always a great mix of fun, remembrance and hope.

And the greatest of these is hope. Looking out at the crowd Friday night, I was filled with hope that, indeed, a cure will be found. All of those dedicated walkers were doing their part to make sure that happens. That's worth staying up all night.