Over $78K Raised for Cancer Research, Education at Relay for Life

Update 8/22: The story has been updated to reflect that the event raised over $78k. It originally stated that the event raised $60k.

An emotional but celebratory spirit marked the 2011 Relay For Life event held at in Half Moon Bay on Saturday. The event lasted 24 hours.

This year, 239 participants and 22 teams raised over $78,000 - "and counting," according to Kevin Palmer, chair of the event and a cancer survivor himself. The American Cancer Society directs the money towards cancer research and education, as well as support for patients and their families.

Motivational speakers opened the morning ceremonies. Half Moon Bay resident , an astronaut who piloted the Challenger Shuttle, energized the crowd. Patricia Brown called for increased taxes on tobacco to help fund research, and said a few words as well.

Entertainment filled the day's schedule while participants walked around the track at Cunha Intermediate School. Tents provided information and services. Teams spotted doing their laps included those from , Heidi Kuiper State Farm Insurance, and the .

When it got dark, hundreds of luminaria placed around the track lit the way for the participants to walk throughout the night and into daybreak.

Closing ceremonies were held at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.

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