FREDERICKTOWN — Passing through the pathway of hope, survivors and caregivers were greeted with hugs and a medallion during the opening ceremony of the Knox County Relay for Life.

Eighty survivors and caregivers were the first to walk a lap around the Fredericktown High School track on Friday evening. Making this the start of an 18-hour vigil, participants took to the track with family and friends in hope for a cure.

Over 300 participants and supporters from local businesses, churches, families, schools and community organizations were out walking.

“We have 22 teams participating this year,” said Jody Rutter, chairwoman of the event. “Relay for Life is the largest nonprofit fundraiser in the world and it supports the American Cancer Society. ... A lot of the proceeds come right back here to Knox County.”

Rutter got involved after her stepdaughter, Kirsten, died at the age of 4 from bone cancer in 2003.

kenesha.beheler@mountvernonnews.com