The rain on the weekend of June 20 couldn't dampen the spirits or determination of more than 550 cancer fighters in Farmingdale who participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, which was held at Farmingdale State University. Forty-two teams and about 30 survivors took part in the overnight event Friday evening to Saturday morning to honor cancer survivors and raise awareness and money to fight the disease.

Usually, Relay For Life is held outside at a high school or college track, with participants pitching tents and circling the track throughout the night. Due to inclement weather and an impending lightning storm, Farmingdale State University officials allowed the event to take place at a warm, dry location - inside Nold Hall, which has an indoor track. Teams filled their air mattresses, fluffed their pillows and opened their sleeping bags to enjoy live entertainment throughout the night. Some of the festivities included: Irish step dancers, live bands and singers.

Teams at the Farmingdale Relay For Life consisted of twelve teams from relay sponsor, OSI Pharmaceuticals; several from Howitt Middle School, including the eighth grade Hawks Cheerleaders; Woodward Parkway Elementary School PTA; Farmingdale Fire Departments; and more, who helped to raise more than $65,000 to support American Cancer Society research, education, advocacy and patient service programs. This first-ever Relay event in Farmingdale couldn't have been such a success without chairperson, Ann McDermott, of OSI Pharmaceuticals. Ann single-handedly recruited the teams from her office, including one made up of the company's CEO, his wife, three daughters and their friends.

One of the highlights of the 14-hour event was the "survivor victory lap" where cancer survivors of all ages, the honorary participants in Relay For Life, walked the first lap to the cheers and applause of the crowd. The second lap, the caregiver lap was equally emotional, as family and friends who provided love and support to the survivor joined.

Another highlight of the event was the luminaria ceremony. In good weather, the luminaries, candles inside paper bags inscribed with the names of people who have or had cancer, line the track and are lit at nightfall creating a touching tribute. Because the event was held indoors, organizers had to think quickly - and decided to light up the bags with holiday lights instead of candles. The colorful glow created a special moment of reflection, love and remembrance.

"I'm extremely thankful to Farmingdale State for the opportunity to move the relay indoors. This was a key component to the event's success," said Relay Chairperson Ann McDermott. "Our ACS Staff Partner Diane Nicholson, committee members and team captains were superb and did a marvelous job planning and implementing the relay. It exceeded my expectations. I loved every minute."

For more information about upcoming events, to get involved or to help plan a Relay For Life in your community for next year, contact your American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.