Bakersfield- The world's biggest Relay for Life has come to a close in Bakersfield, with more than 1.6 million dollars raised for cancer research.
"Bakersfield is a giving community, that's the only reason why we're here and why we're number one, said Billie Reynolds, cancer survivor.
The 24-hour cancer fundraiser wrapped up Sunday morning, as relayers took to the track for one final lap.
"Faith, family and friends," said Patsy Romero, cancer survivor. "This is wonderful, I got chills, this is so wonderful to me."
Relay for Life kicked off Saturday morning with the annual survivors lap, as thousands of people walked in their purple shirts, cancer free.
This year, more than 370 teams took part, hoping to raise the most money and put an end to cancer.
"We had a lot of new teams so I feel absolutely wonderful, it's fantastic," said Romero.
Team Raider Nation is a group of raider fans, personally affected by the disease.
"My wife had cancer she passed away from, I'm also a survivor of melanoma," said Jerry Warren.
Warren says he wanted to use the passion he has for the raiders, to help fight cancer.
"This is something we have to beat, we have to beat this, you know, cancer is just everywhere, cancer has gotten so bad in the past 10 to 15 years," said Warren.
Once it was dark, people gathered around the stage for the emotional Luminaria ceremony.
The ceremony pays tribute to those who've lost their battle with cancer and those still fighting the disease.
'"Buying luminaries for friends of mine and family members, it's very touching," said Jerry O'Neil. "It brings tears to my eyes all the time."
"Umm, it's just that so many people care -- family, friends, everybody, ya know that's the great thing too, that's what happens when you get cancer, everybody comes around and takes care of you," said Linda Teague, battling blood cancer.
Relay organizers say a final count won't be available until Monday.