The Liberty County annual Relay for Life hit the track at Long-Bell Stadium on Friday night, with survivors and caregivers leading the way in the fight against cancer.

“I look around and I see family, friends, co-workers, businesses, community leaders, children, grandparents and neighbors all here for the same reason,” said Karen Bell, Liberty County Relay for Life chair, “to help put an end to cancer. But also to have a little bit of fun and to celebrate. It’s time to celebrate the survivors, remember those who lost to cancer and fight back against this disease and support our caregivers.’

Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette said he recently visited with a former co-worker who had finished chemotherapy treatments and heard another former co-worker has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

“There is a need for us to be here,” he said. “There is a need for the work that’s being done. There’s a need for the research. There’s a need for the fundraising. There is a need for the encouragement. There is a need for the caregivers. There is a need that goes on and on and on. But I believe we will never give up trying to find a cure.”

This year’s Relay and its events topped its goal of $70,000.