Speakers blasted the song Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now on a bright Saturday morning as the Martha’s Vineyard Relay for Life teams began their ceremonial first laps at the regional high school track. After a brief speech given by Dr. Basia McAnaw of Cape Cod Healthcare, the Edgartown Firemen Honor Guard led the way, followed by participants and volunteers from across the Island.

“I’m so proud of all the work that’s been done,” said Dr. McAnaw in her remarks. “And to celebrate all the people here for the next 22 hours.”

Relay for Life is a worldwide fundraiser for cancer-related causes. It began on the Island at 9 a.m. Saturday when the various teams converged on the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School track, and ended the following Sunday morning. The goal is to always have at least one team member remain on the track at all times, and all day and night an enthusiastic crowd of participants and friends lent their support.

Friends and family members of all ages walked in solidarity at Relay for Life. — Peter Simon

“It’s a great event to bring together people in the community,” said event chair Nicole Gazaille. “To honor those who are still fighting, and remember those that we’ve lost.”

Luminaries lined the track with messages of both love and loss for cancer victims, all of which were lit later on that night during the Luminaria Ceremony. Relay participants gathered together to put glow stick “candles” into a wooden birthday cake, and then took a silent lap around the track, accompanied by the sound of bagpipes played by Tony Peak.

Yet despite the air of solemnity and remembrance that lingered throughout event, hope and positive spirit were the primary motivators.

“I’ve been doing this since it started. I’m undergoing more treatments now, but we’ll see,” said Ricky Harrison. She had just finished walking the Survivor’s Lap and wore a huge smile.

Many of the participants carried the same positive energy of Ms. Harrison, staying upbeat throughout the relay. Indeed, perhaps the most fitting summary of the event and its attitude was written on signs all around the track: Fight back. And with over 100 participants and 15 teams, the Relay for Life was determined to do just that.