Margaret Souza had several poignant reasons for participating in last weekend's Relay For Life, an annual event that raises money for the American Cancer Society.

Souza's sister, Marie Hernandez, died of lung cancer five years ago; her mother, Mary, is a two-time cancer survivor; and Souza has personal experience with fighting and surviving lung cancer.

Their encounters with cancer have motivated Margaret and Mary to participate in the Relay every year. This year, they decided to name their team Malia's Ohana, which is Hawaiian for Marie's Family.

"I think it's her death and that there's so many people and family members that have had cancer that inspires us," said Margaret. "It's all about trying to find a cure. If they can find anything to cure or delay your death, it's great."

Photos by Justin Lafferty

Cancer survivors take the first lap of the relay.

"Possibly, in the future, my nieces and nephews that are coming up now won't know what the word cancer is," Huff said. "Maybe if they hear the words 'you have cancer,' maybe they'll just have to have a shot. I want them to look at pictures of me in the past and wonder what Relay For Life is, because we don't need it anymore."