In the opening prayer of the 2007 Relay for Life, Father John Putka said that in the Old Testament, rain was often a sign of blessing. If that is the case, this year's relay was abundantly blessed.

Even with weather that varied from a slight drizzle to a downpour and temperatures hovering in the low 30s, UD's fifth annual Relay for Life continued from 3 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday.

'Despite the weather, the spirit of relay is here,' co-chair Karen Mahaney said. 'People are still having fun and walking, and that's what matters.'

Members of the 76 teams walked around the path surrounding KU Field throughout the night. The path was lined with more than 300 luminaries bearing the names of lost loved ones, survivors and caregivers who have touched the lives of those in the relay.

At 9 p.m., the luminaries were lit while Glyn Tindall, the father of UD student Kym Tindall and a cancer survivor, shared his experience of fighting the disease. His daughter then sang, after which a poem about the luminaries was read, expressing hope that one day, when a cure for cancer is found, there would no longer be a need for them. After singing 'Amazing Grace,' the participants took a silent lap, reflecting on the lives and memories of the people whom the luminaries represent.

There were many other events to keep the participants energized, including performances by the UD Pep Band, the DeBonte Brothers, the Dayton Improv Club, Brendan O'Grady and Joe Melendrez. Other events included tug-of-war, sack races, an ice cream-eating contest, Mr. and Mrs. Relay and various themed laps.

Throughout the relay, a torch, a symbol of the everlasting flame and of hope, was carried by a participant. Sophomore Gina Fiocchi, the chair of the luminary committee, said the torch is traditionally carried by survivors during the first lap of the relay. This year, there were 30 survivors present.

Mahaney and her co-chair Miles Schermerhorn have been planning for the relay along with their committee members since last April and met every other week during the spring semester.

'The week leading up to this has been chaotic, but I am trying to revel in the chaos,' said Mahaney, senior history major. 'I could hardly sleep last night. It has definitely been worth it.'

The goal was to raise $70,000, but it was exceeded as participating organizations raised $76,355 in donations, pledges and fundraisers throughout the relay. Team Phi Kappa Psi raised the most ' $8,569 ' and sold pancakes during the relay as part of its fundraising. Twenty-six teams raised more than $1,000 and five teams raised more than $3,000.

Another team, A Baker's Dozen, sold baked goods and cookbooks. The cookbook was written by cancer survivor and UD student Jamie Baker. While in the hospital last year, she wrote stories and kept an online journal, which she updated daily, according to friend Laena Makia. Baker complied a cookbook of her favorite recipes. The cookbook now contains inspirational quotes from Baker's roommates and friends as well as reflections and stories by Baker, who plans to return to UD in the summer and graduate in 2009.

Rudy's Bounty Hunters constructed a jail in which people could pay to have their friends held until they raised enough money to meet bail. John Harrelson, who was jailed twice, joked that he was looking for the 'heinous prankster' that had paid to have him imprisoned.

Pink Shirt Mondays have participated in the relay for three years running, according to Katie Roedersheimer. Their concentration is on breast cancer. This year, they sold fudge, hotdogs, cupcakes and pink ribbon bracelets. Team member Gina Fabbroni said she was impressed by her team's energy, despite the weather, and recommended wearing plastic bags over shoes to stay dry.

Overall, the relay was a success. Mahaney wanted to thank everyone who put time and effort into making the relay what it was.

'This is our way of making a difference and we are,' she said. 'What we do here helps.'