Whitehall Relay for Life held its annual ceremony June 19 and 20 at the Whitehall High School stadium.

During this annual overnight community fundraising walk, teams of people camp out in the stadium infield and team members take turns walking around the track. Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie.

According to the Relay for Life website, "While the American Cancer Society is making progress toward a world without cancer, only with dedication and fundraising efforts can we help finish the fight."

Relay for Life organizer Courtney Totton said, "Relay for Life is not just fighting one type of cancer. It is fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.

"Each person that shares the Relay for Life experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten our loved ones or rob anyone of another birthday."

During the opening ceremony, survivors and their team members set up their campsites.

During the survivors' lap around the track, upbeat music played as all cancer survivors at the event rounded the track, cheered on by the other participants who celebrated a victory over cancer.

During the caregivers' lap, anyone who ever cared for someone with cancer walked.

The luminaria ceremony remembered those lost to cancer, supported those who currently have cancer and honored those who have fought cancer in the past. The power of this ceremony lies in providing an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope.

The closing ceremony took place June 20.

"The American Cancer Society Relay for Life movement symbolizes hope and our shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love," Totton said. "If cancer has touched your life, participating in a Relay for Life event is a way to take action and help finish the fight. This is everyone's opportunity to honor cancer survivors, remember those you have lost and raise funds and awareness to fight back and help end cancer forever."