Sue Welch began participating in Relay for Life seven years ago as a way to support her sister-in-law and mother-in-law, both of whom are cancer survivors.

Although Welch recognized the impact she was making by raising money for cancer research, the event took on a whole new meaning when she was diagnosed with cancer July 16, 2014.

“I realized I was doing this for myself too,” said the Niles woman. “It made it more personal. The first survivor’s lap last year was hard.”

Welch celebrated two years cancer free during Saturday’s Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life.

She is part of the Haunters for Hope relay team, which had raised more than $8,000 as of Saturday — the most of any of the 35 relay teams at the annual event, which asks teams to walk around a track for up to 24 hours.

Volunteers at the Niles Scream Park make up the majority of Haunters for Hope. Welch said a good portion of the fundraising comes from volunteering at the Niles Scream Park, which in turn donates to a charity of the volunteer’s choice.

Haunters for Hope members also fundraise with a silent auction, yard sale, letter-writing campaign and by selling blue paper feet at local restaurants.

Welch’s daughter-in-law, Kellie Welch, had raised more than $2,700 as of Saturday, making her the top individual fundraiser. Kellie, whose father is a 30-year cancer survivor, is also a member of Haunters for Hope.

“It (Relay) is just an awesome cause because you can see all the great things that the American Cancer Society does for everybody,” she said. “It is friendship, family and about the community coming together to help each other out.”

Cody Waters, of the American Cancer Society, said just less than $34,000 had been raised during this year’s relay as of Saturday morning. He said organizers expected to bring in an additional $12,000 to $15,000 Saturday.

The money raised goes toward cancer research and services.

Sue said it is fulfilling to know that her contributions might help lead to a cure for cancer.

“It would be a big thing for us to not have to do this (Relay for Life) anymore,” she said.