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The annual Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Relay for Life brought the community together from noon until midnight on Saturday at Shipyards Park.

Hundreds of people filed in and out of the park throughout the day, celebrating, mourning and sharing their experiences with cancer.

Peter Kingston, vice president, Operations of CCS, was on hand to address the crowd and cited Whitehorse as one of the most unique relays he's been a part of.

"This is truly a unique experience that we all share,鈥� he said. "I know that each of us have our personal experience and a reason to want to change the future.鈥�

Kingston highlighted how the fundraising efforts directly benefit Yukoners with the establishment of the cancer connection program, a service that puts individuals in touch with someone that has shared a similar experience, and the cancer

information service, a national and toll-free phone line available to cancer patients,

their families, the general public and healthcare professionals.

Commisioner Doug Phillips addressed the crowd and relayed Keith Halliday's experience with cancer.

Halliday overcame the disease in what Phillips described as a story of hope.

"It really is about looking for those sunny days,鈥� he said.

"The more we work to raise funds and the better the research gets the more cancer we're going to cure.鈥�

"Keith said a few years ago he would never be alive today if it weren't for those people twenty years ago that were working so hard. We understand the importance of support from friends and loved ones, one of the most important things for people who have cancer is the support of their friends and family, the people out there who work so hard and understand what we're going through.鈥�

This year marked the ninth time Whitehorse has hosted the event, with twenty-three teams registering and raising more than $70,000, collectively.

"The Yukon always steps up in supporting this great event,鈥� said Scott Kent, MLA- Riverdale North.

"I don't think there's an organization in the country that epitomizes community more than the Canadian Cancer Society. It's a real testament to the generosity of Yukoners and the generosity of our community.鈥�

At 6 p.m., participants gathered at the main tent for the remembrance and luminary service.

Former Yukon commissioner Doug Bell shared his touching story of his wife's battle against cancer.

"Pearl was a survivor for a long time,鈥� he said of his late wife who battled five different types of cancer over 14 years.

Bell spoke of his experience as a caregiver for Pearl and the flood of emotions they shared along the way.

"It seemed insurmountable in the beginning but there were smooth, even calm places along the trail,鈥� he said. "The calm was always hers.

"I often shared feeling my feelings of helplessness and always being a bystander in her battle, she told me, 鈥榮haring my journey and your love is the best therapy, I couldn't do it without you,' I think there's a lot of wisdom in that.鈥�

Bell referred to cancer as a waiting game, between waiting for diagnoses, treatment and the time they shared together in countless waiting rooms.

"She'd reach out and hold my hands in these quiet rooms and we'd smile,鈥� he said.

"The day would be better because we were together.鈥�

Along the way, Bell and Pearl renewed their vows, getting married in the same church, on the same day, 60 years after their first marriage.

"She was more beautiful in our second marriage than the first for that strong spirit shone in her eyes for all to see,鈥� he said.

"Disease may ravage the body but it can never kill the spirit.鈥�

Afterwards, participants took to the track in Shipyards Park, lighting candles of remembrance in the luminary ceremony.

The relay continued late into the night with music and dance performances before wrapping up at midnight with the Fight Back Ceremony.