More than a thousand people crowded the track and field at Wakefield High School last weekend for the North Raleigh-Wake Forest American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

The Relay is one day and one night of the year to raise money for cancer research and prevention, remember its victims, and give hope to its survivors.

By the closing ceremony, donations totaled more than $175,000.

The event started with a victory lap by more than a hundred cancer survivors in purple shirts.

Five-year breast cancer survivor Lisa Ward said she is proud she will have the opportunity to see her 4 year old grandson grow older. She and her husband came to celebrate their own survival and show support for other families.

"That is my goal," Ward said. "To live as long as I can and fight it as long as I can."

Michelle Gay, owner of Rhymes and Reasons Daycare in Rolesville, sponsored the Kids' Walk for a second year in a row.

In addition to her love of children, Gay said her life has been deeply affected by cancer. Her husband is currently in remission, and other relatives such as her aunt and brother are fighting the disease.

"It does something to you to be with these people, and to see the pain and everything that goes along with it," Gay said.

But on the field at Relay For Life, every patient, survivor, and caregiver knows they're not alone in the fight.

"If it doesn't touch you," Gay said. "I don't know what can touch you."