MIDDLETOWN — In 1985, a Tacoma, Wash., doctor, tired of seeing his patients suffer, spent 24 hours circling a track to raise more than $25,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Twenty-two years later, 350 people gathered at the Middletown High School track to mimic the doctor's steps and participate in the ACS' signature fundraiser, Relay for Life.

The 26 teams have raised more than $44,000 for the fight against cancer and are expected to raise more before the Aug. 31 deadline, said Program Manager Alice Fisher. Last year, more than $16 million was raised in Ohio alone through Relay for Life.

The inaugural lap of the Middletown Relay for Life is dedicated to and run by those who have survived or are battling cancer, said Fisher.

Cancer survivor Mattie Freeman of Middletown has participated in that lap for the last five years. She said one of her favorite parts of the event is the chance to meet other cancer survivors.

"I didn't know there were that many survivors around," she said. "Sometimes, it's people that I know that I didn't know had cancer."

Three teen-aged thyroid cancer survivors from Edgewood High School, who call themselves the Thykidz, participated in the event with two teams of their families and friends. This is the second year for the Thykidz teams.

The Thykidz and their parents each have a different favorite part of the annual Relay for Life. For 16-year-old Lauren Thorman, it's hanging out with her friends; for her mother, Stephanie Carper, it's the luminary ceremony in memory of those who have lost their battle with cancer.

In addition to music, food and fun, the Relay for Life event tries to promote awareness.

"We have a captive audience," said Fisher. "A big part of this is to spread the message of prevention and early detection."

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2805 or mgildow@coxohio.com.