Robin Belonga (left) of St. Ignace and Nancy Pfeiffelman of Mackinac Island, a cancer survivor, walk together during the annual Mackinac County Area Relay for Life 24-hour walk fundraiser, held at the LaSalle High School track in St. Ignace Friday, July 27, through Saturday, July 28. Ms. Belonga was walking in honor of her grandmother, Roma Horn. Memories of those who have perished, and inspiring stories of those who have survived cancer, were shared at the 11th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser at the LaSalle High School track in St. Ignace Friday, July 27, through Saturday, July 28. The Mackinac County event raised $33,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Billy Milford, of St. Ignace, a throat cancer survivor, spoke to the crowd about his bout with the disease just before 24 other cancer survivors began a lap around the track, led by two color guards from the U.S. Coast Guard's Biscayne Bay Saturday.

"Every night, I read scriptures of healing from the Bible," Mr. Milford said. "After 10 weeks of radiation, my face never burned and I never needed a feeding tube. I am now clean, and clean as a crystal. My thanks to God and for having a positive attitude."

Cancer survivors who participated in the Survivors'Walk during the annual Relay for Life were (from left) Ron Tamlyn, Peggy Jarman, Eunice Therrian, and Craig Therrian. He continued to encourage cancer patients, "Keep the faith, and believe that you will get through this."

More than 1,000 luminaries were sold and lined up on the side of the track, providing walkers light throughout the night.

The event was $4,000 shy of last year's total, reported Mary Sue Peterson, the area director for the Upper Peninsula American Cancer Society, possibly owing to the fact the 24-hour event was held at the same time as the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge and the inaugural St. Ignace Fish Feast.

"We did really well, though," said Melissa Matson, local chairperson for the event. "The rain kind of slowed us down at the start, but the sun eventually came out and it turned out to be a great event."

Nine fundraising teams were involved this year. Each team made themed baskets that were included in a silent auction during the event. The theme this year was "Christmas in July." Craig Therrian and John Soblaskey served as auctioneers. Participants were treated to a visit from Santa Claus, who was accompanied by clown firefighters from the St. Ignace Fire Department.

"The kids really enjoyed that," said Miss Matson.

She said her goal for next year is to create more teams.

To join a team or to volunteer for the Mackinac County Relay for Life program, call either Ms. Peterson at the Upper Peninsula American Cancer Society office at (800) 469-0149 or Miss Matson at 643-1513 or 643- 8103.