Relaying teams and relaying stories. For Griffith's Rachel Keenan, that's what has brought her back to participate in Griffith's Relay For Life for the third year.
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Watching too many family members and friends battle cancer, being a part of a community effort as well as sharing in the solidarity born from shared experiences was a way for her to "remember together".
She was one of 500 people packing out the new venue at Solar Mad Stadium, raising a mammoth $93,560 for Cancer Council - over $10,000 more than the original goal.
Of those, there were at least 108 cancer survivors and carers, but chairwoman Tammy Hirst reckoned there would have been "many more".
"While we were a little down on numbers from last year, I feel you can't compare the events," she explained.
"Each time has its own unique atmosphere, its special vibe, and it was absolutely loved by all."
Cancer Council community relations coordinator Brianna Carracher said the amount raised "totally kicked goals", especially in the current drought.
Taking a quiet moment to wander through the grounds, Ms Hirst heard many stories from people about why they were here.
The stories, memories, the reliving and retelling - everyone here just gets it.
- Rachel Keenan
"It was surprising the number of young people who came out to participate, as you never really know how it can affect them - it was a great opportunity to come and lean on each other."
This was the second relay to have a shirt-hanging ceremony, and Ms Hirst was "incredibly moved" to see a sea of photos attached to tents, to hope bags.
With her 'Keeno Jumping Castles' team, Mrs Keenan said their team had raised a little over $500, as well as donated jumping castles for the night as well.
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"While it wasn't a big amount like some of the others, every little bit counts, and we are proud to have given help," she said.
Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer which she beat in 2008, in 2014 Ruth was given three to four months to live after a lung cancer diagnosis.
"She said she just wanted to see her kids and grandkids birthdays for the year - and she did it, passing away on my brother Kevin's birthday on December 31.
"The stories, memories, the reliving and retelling - everyone here just gets it."
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