Relay for Life of Northern Nevada celebrated cancer survivors at Idlewild Park. All survivors, including those in treatment and in remission, were invited to join in the festivities.

Event co-lead Pam Shore says she got involved when her sister-in-law invited her to the event in 2008. Both of her sister-in-law's parents were diagnosed with cancer.

"My mother-in-law is actually here today," Shore says. "She's been cancer-free for many years. And my second mom had died of ovarian cancer a couple years before."

Shore led the opening ceremony, where her co-lead Dahleen Kendler shared her cancer story. Her journey started with a routine mammogram. Doctors found a small spot and scheduled her for a biopsy, and later a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Kendler says she went through a whirlwind of emotions when she received her diagnosis.

"I was scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed," she says.

Kendler expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but the results were far worse.

"I am diagnosed with follicular lymphoma," Kendler says, "A slow-growing but ever-present form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma."

She says her world shifted in an instant when she heard the news. Relay for Life gave her hope and helped her realize she's not alone.

A few others also shared their stories. One attendee spoke on behalf of a first responder who contracted cancer while cleaning up the World Trade Center after the September 11 attacks. He wasn't able to make it due to a scheduling conflict.

After that, Reno Aces mascot "Archie" led a lap around the bases at Ballfield 3 to kick off the festivities.

Organizer William Henry Palmer III says events like this help survivors form connections within the community.

"You trade a phone number, you trade a Facebook ID," he says, "And all of a sudden you find out that the island isn't so small."

The event lasted from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. The festivities started with a Survivors & Caregivers Lunch hosted by Knights of Columbus.

A "Fight Back" ceremony around 6:00 p.m. highlighted the worldwide impact of the American Cancer Society. Around 7:30 p.m., the organization held a luminaria ceremony to remember those who lost the battle and highlight those who are still fighting.