The Relay for Life is a global movement that has been making an impact on cancer research for the last 40 years.

But it is more than just a fundraiser.

The Relay for Life began in 1985 with Dr. Gordy Klatt who ran around a track for 24 hours. He raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Since Dr. Klatt’s first demonstration, the Relay for Life has served as an avenue for fundraising to support cancer research and also as a way to raise awareness.The theme this year, “40 Years of Impact”, celebrated Dr. Klatt’s contributions.

The Audrain County Relay for Life, which was held Saturday at Hardin Park, was spearheaded by a new event leader, Brenda Prater.

“I was very nervous so I kind of doubted myself a lot, but I really don’t think it went too bad,” Prater said.

Prater got involved in the Relay for Life after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a survivor and a caregiver, she finds herself invested in the cause.

The Audrain County Relay for Life has raised $35,615 so far and teams will continue to add to the total through September.

“Our goal was at $45,000 this year,” Prater said. “I don’t know that we’ll make that but we’re going to be closer than we are now when everything gets turned in.”

The money raised by the bounce house, dunk tank, team vendor booths and the signed Los Angeles Clippers basketball auction, which went to Dennis Mommens for $600, has not been added to the total yet.

“I think our bounce house and dunk tank went over good,” Prater said. “Everybody liked our entertainment, so I think things went pretty good all in all.”

This year’s Relay for Life had a less than ideal turnout and Prater suspects the heat played a major role.

“I think the heat took a lot away from us,” Prater said.

Prater explained that for the Relay for Life, survivors receive their designation from the first day of diagnosis and many are still going through treatment.

“If they’re still going through treatment, heat is really hard on them and I think it was just more than a lot of them could take,” she said.

But despite sweltering temperatures, a good bit of the community, particularly Audrain County’s cancer survivors, showed up in support of the cause.

While Prater isn’t sure if she will continue as event leader next year, she knows she did her best and learned so much about organizing a Relay for Life from her experience this year.

“There was so much I didn't know because I’ve never done it before,” Prater said.

And, perhaps most importantly, Prater said she learned that Audrain County has a generous and caring community willing to support the Relay for Life in ending cancer as we know it.

For more photos, see The Mexico Ledger's online photo gallery.