The 2013 Relay For Life kicked off with a survivor's lap.

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The event included family fun such as bounce houses, music, and super hero themes.

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POWDERSVILLE – Amidst a cold and steady rain, cancer survivors and relay participants circled the track of Wren High School for 12 hours last Friday night and Saturday morning for the American Cancer Society’s 2013 Relay For life.

“On behalf of the 2013 Committee of this year’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life of North Anderson, we would like to thank residents of Piedmont, Pelzer, Powdersville and Williamston for their generosity and support,” said Event Chair Wes Porter.

A total of 28 relay teams participated in the all night event which ran from 7 p.m. Friday night to 7 a.m. Saturday morning.

“This outstanding show of support proves that the people of Piedmont, Pelzer, Powdersville and Williamston stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the American Cancer Society to achieve its mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and fighting back,” said Porter.

The event opened with a survivor’s lap as a crowd of caregivers, family, and friends cheered them on.

The second lap saw caregivers join the survivors in one final lap before the relay began.

“We were honored to be joined by the hundreds of survivors who walked the opening Survivors Lap, officially kicking off this year’s event,” Porter said. “These survivors are the reason we continue the fight. Their participation inspires hope in those currently battling cancer.”

The event could not have taken place without the dedication of selfless volunteers.

“A special thanks to the many Relay For Life volunteers who worked to make this event a success celebrating the lives of those who have battled cancer, remembering loved ones lost, and pledging to fight back against the disease,” Porter said. “The Relay For Life of North Anderson committee did an outstanding job of putting the event together.”

According to Amanda Seawell, the Community Manager for the American Cancer Society, the goal was to raise $86,000, but fell just short at $75,000.

“We can still reach our goal of $86,000 through donations between now and August,” Seawell said.

Next year’s event will be again held at Wren High School on Friday night May 2, 2014.

For more information visit RelayForLife.org/northanderson or call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.