The 11th annual Karl Potach Memorial Golf Tournament Aug. 18 at the Austin Country Club is just one example of the community’s extraordinary efforts to raise money for cancer research.

Kurt and Brenda Potach have taken a tragedy — the death of their 2-year-old son from Wilms Tumor — and turned it into an opportunity to help others fight this debilitating disease.

The Karl Potach Foundation has raised more than $200,000 for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, pediatric hospitals, Austin Medical Center and more.

Efforts from passionate people likes the Potaches, the Lyle Area Cancer Auction organizers and Mower County Relay for Life (coming this weekend) show a willingness to do something to promote change rather than remain on the sidelines. And it goes without saying the Hormel Institute remains the cornerstone in Austin for our enthusiasm — we can see research history in the making right in our own town.