Just as the effects of a challenging economy are felt by families in every community, cancer, too, has a far-reaching impact. No matter how the stock market is performing or what the current unemployment rate may be, there are still many people battling a cancer diagnosis and many others who are lending support alongside loved ones every day.These realities make the dollars donated and volunteer hours devoted to the American Cancer Society, a part of Hall County for many years, critically important. Local volunteers are a huge part of a nationwide effort to save lives from cancer, but additional people are needed for the progress to continue.