Luminaria Line Millikan Track Sat. Nite, Followed By Sun. Morn Closing Ceremony And Final Lap At 24-Hour Long Beach Relay for Life For American Cancer Society; Funds Raised This Year Exceed Last Year's Total

(June 2, 2013, 11:00 a.m.) -- Twelve hours into Long Beach's 24-hour Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society, the athletic track at Millikan High School was lined with Luminaria -- illuminated small bags with messages dedicated to those who have battled, or are currently battling, cancer.

The athletic field's bleacher seats were also illuminated...with Luminaria spelling "HOPE."

An illuminated display reinforced the message.

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Twelve hours later at 9 a.m. Sunday (June 2), relay walkers reached the end of their 24-hour walk, and a closing ceremony took place prior to a closing lap.

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Some of the Long Beach teams have names that bluntly convey their attitude toward the disease. "Fork Cancer" was among the most active and produced some of the largest total contributions (6,000+).

To view a list of the Long Beach teams and learn the personal reasons why each team leader took part, click here.

41 teams with over 500 participants took part in the all-day and all-night event. The American Cancer Society says its Relay for Life -- which is held in communities across the country -- is the largest annual fundraising event in the United States.

Funds raised in this year's Long Beach Relay for Life exceeded the amount raised last year; updated information is expected later this afternoon and will be added here as received.

LBREPORT.com previewed the event and provided LIVE VIDEO reports from the scene with extended photos and text. Team coverage was by LBREPORT.com Community Correspondent Joe Mello and publisher Bill Pearl.

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24-Hour Relay for Life @ Long Beach's Millikan High, See/Hear Words of Determination, Inspiration And Hope