It was a day to celebrate life and the fight against cancer. Hundreds of survivors, caregivers, family and friends gathered to walk, laugh, cry and raise money to fight cancer at Wareham's 13th annual Relay for Life.

"We are here today to celebrate. This celebration of life brings community together in unified effort to fight cancer and symbolizes the fight that cancer patients must face once they are diagnosed," said volunteer event leader Tricia Hackett, during an emotional speech at Saturday's opening ceremony.

Relay For Life is a national American Cancer Association fundraising event that raises money for cancer research. It operates on a volunteer basis, and relies on community fundraising efforts

Hackett has been involved with Wareham's Relay for Life for the past four years and has served as the event leader for the last two.

The overnight event began at 3 p.m. Saturday as cancer survivors led the first lap of the relay around the Wareham High School track. Halfway around the track they were met by their caregivers, who walked with them for the rest of the opening lap.

For the next 18 hours participants walked the track, played games, listened to live music and celebrated the lives of all who have been touched by cancer.

As of June 15, a total of 227 participants on 27 teams had signed up for the relay and as of Sunday afternoon, the event had raised $77,077 for the American Cancer Society.

"Each person that shares the relay experience can take pride in knowing that you are working to create a world where this disease no longer threatens the life of our loved ones or claim another year of someone’s life," Hackett said.