Residents 'Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back' at Ferndale Relay for Life

The 90-degree heat didn't seem to bother twin sisters Kayla and Katlynn Hughes on Saturday afternoon as they walked the track at their high school for the .

The 17-year-old sisters were on a mission to raise money to help find a cure for cancer. Having a relative who passed away from the disease, Kayla Hughes said they wanted to come out to show their support and help the cause.

"It could happen to anyone, it could happen to us down the line," she said.

The sisters were among more than 300 people who were participating in on Saturday, which continues through 10 a.m. Sunday at the track.

The annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society has already raised more than $50,000 to help fight cancer and donations are still coming in.

Teams planned to camp out around the track with members of each team taking turns walking.

Breanne Finkelberg, community representative with the American Cancer Society, said the event was going well on Saturday afternoon. "It's going awesome," she said. "Ferndale is a great community. It's very close knit."

Susie Bokram said she was happy to help raise money for the cause. "For me personally, I've had two siblings die of cancer. So it's just my way of doing what I can, I guess," said Bokram, who was walking with her 14-year-old niece Claire Bokram.

Donna DeLuca, a member of the team, said the event was going great despite the heat. "We want to be part of the community," DeLuca said of the JFK group's reasons for getting involved. "I think this is a worthwhile cause."

Marie Gearing of the team – the "Roosevelt Rockers, Walkers and Cancer Blockers" – said the relay seemed to be a big success, with many people coming and going throughout the day. "I think it's great so far," she said.

raised $76,941 to fight cancer, beating its goal by $11,441.

"This is a day we celebrate, remember and fight back," event chair Michele Sibula said prior to the event, which had 26 registered teams.

She said anyone is welcome to come check out the relay and participate in the family friendly activities offered.

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