One of the largest single gatherings of people in eastern Wake County occurs every spring when people walk, talk, eat and celebrate cancer survivors at the Eastern Wake Relay for Life.

That organization is struggling to overcome negative publicity in the wake of theft allegations levied against one of the group's leaders.

We, however, commend the Relay for Life to you as a good place to put your charitable dollars, despite the problems that have risen to light in recent months.

Planning for a Relay is nearly a year-round effort. You will soon be approached by volunteer team captains and team members from churhes, civic groups, families struck by cancer and others who want you to donate your money to help fund cancer research.

We believe you should give, and give heartily.

The truth is, the disappearance of just over $6,000 from the organization's funds is not the result of a corrupt organization. Only one person has even been charged in connection with the money's disappearance. To the contrary, it was the organization's parent, the American Cancer Society, which noticed the problem and approached police for help resolving the issue.

That gives us reason to believe that the Eastern Wake Relay for Life and the ACS value your contributions and take seriously their responsibility to use your money in the way donors expected when it was given.

So this time, when you are solicited, remember that one apparently bad apple doesn't spoil the entire barrell.

The Eastern Wake Relay for Life is an organization and a cause we can all be proud to support.

And we shouldn't let one unpleasant experience dampen our enthusiasm for finding a cure for an illness that eventually will touch us all.