HERALD PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES

Getting ready for the June 2 Port Charlotte Relay for Life 2012 luminaria ceremony with lit candles are (from left): Eddie Pope, Robert Ramas, Steve Konewko and Ed Pope

HERALD PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES

Each of these women spoke about why they participate in the Port Charlotte Relay for Life before the luminaria ceremony began at the June 2 event. From left are Andi Schmith, Angela Popovich, Pat Gurney and Joanne Pisaturo.

HERALD PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES

Port Charlotte Relay for Life 2012 chairwoman Linda Megill is seen here with her son, Bryan, and friend, Jamie Gelep, at the second half of the event, postponed to June 2, at Port Charlotte High School. Linda puts in hundreds of hours each year working for a cure. Her daughter, Michelle Deyarmond, is a 10-year cancer survivor.

HERALD PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES

Paul Szafranski walked the luminaria lap June 2 at the Port Charlotte Relay for Life 2012 for his father-in-law, who passed away six years ago of lung and bone cancer.

HERALD PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES

Becky Rosenthal and Katherine Weinmann walked at Port Charlotte Relay for Life 2012 on June 2 for Rosenthal's mom and Weinmann's friend, Charlene Gardner.

HERALD PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES

As walkers begin the luminaria lap, the candles are lit in the Port Charlotte High School bleachers, spelling “CURE” at the second half of the 2012 Port Charlotte Relay for Life, held June 2.