SALISBURY — The Salisbury University community came together to raise more than $40,000 for cancer awareness, research, services and education at the 23rd annual  Relay For Life.

More than 500 students participated in the event, which opened with an emotional speech from Austen Cave, an Salisbury University student and cancer survivor, who shared his journey.

At dusk, the luminaria ceremony remembered all those who lost their battle and celebrated those still fighting.

Team and individual contests and games filled the evening with laughter and competition as the university's men’s and women’s swimming teams won the “Relay Rival” competition.

Zumba, line dancing, live music from student bands Housing Co. and Too Dance to Drunk, haircuts with donations to cancer patients, and clubs and organizations raising money and awareness at their campsites that lined the track carried on throughout the evening.

Through a partnership between Relay For Life, the Salisbury University President’s Office and TidalHealth, donations were accepted for Cancer Care Kits, which include items to help with the physical and mental strains of fighting the disease. Girls on Top of the World at Salisbury University collected the most items for the initiative. Donations are still being accepted in the President’s Office and Center for Student Achievement.