Effingham County took to the track at Effingham County High School to take the fight to cancer.

The annual Relay For Life was held Friday night, as teams lined the track with their tents and survivors, caregivers and others took their turns walking on the oval.

Rosemary Usher, a 38-year survivor of cancer, served as the grand marshal. Cancer survivors are given the honor of taking the first lap around the track to start the event.

“While we all have a unique reason for being here, we all have something very much in common. We want to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Relay committee member Denese Parker.

For the survivors, the Relay For Life is a personal celebration.

“It means I have survived 36 years,” said Betty Steese, decked out in the purple T-shirt signifying her triumph over cancer, “and there are so many people who support us.”

“I’m very proud,” said her husband, Larry Steese, of his wife. “Very proud.”