A small but enthusiastic group of survivors, caregivers and supporters braved the elements Friday evening from 6 p.m. until midnight, donning galoshes and ponchos for Relay for Life of Indian River Beaches, the first of three county relays to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Following opening ceremonies, with guest speakers Alla Kramer, Dr. James Grichnik and survivor Susan LeDuc, purple-clad survivors were cheered on as they took the traditional first lap along the winding, tree-lined paths of Riverside Park.
Money raised at Relay for Life events supports cancer research, education and prevention programs.
Relay for Life of North Indian River takes place Apr. 22 at Sebastian River High School, and Relay for Life of Indian River is on Apr. 29 at Vero Beach High School.