Searching for the cancer cure, one step at a time.

This past weekend, the City of Bakersfield, California hosted its 28th Annual “Relay for Life” at the Kern County Fairgrounds in honor of those who have battled and are battling cancer. As it was already a hot day getting much hotter, the relay was held in the morning to keep everyone moving while things were still cool.

A couple of Relay for Life runners were also a part of another group called Links for Life. Both runners are several years in remission from cancer, and say that volunteering for events like this is a true passion.

“Our friends have become our sisters,” said one of the runners and volunteers. “We’re just there along for the ride, whatever it is, for the cancer journey.”

At the end of the race, the survivor’s lap is said to be the most emotional part of the event – often invoking tears, laughs and cheers from both runners and volunteers.

Those who want to honor loved ones who are both living and no longer living were encouraged to go show their support at the event, which lasted 24 hours. One of the goals for Relay for Life is to raise more than $750,000. Most of this money will go to further research and helping out those who are diagnosed in the future.

Relay for Life is one of Bakersfield’s largest events.