BY MATT HERSH

The theme of the day was cancer, but the mood and atmosphere were nothing but positive at Salem’s third annual Relay for Life.

More than 1,500 people gathered at the Salem High School track where they walked laps for 18 hours, shared stories about overcoming cancer and raised more than $225,000 to fight the disease.

The event has become increasingly popular over the past three years, with attendance growing exponentially every year, according to publicity director Laurel Redden.

Since 2004, more and more people have heard about the day’s events, which include not only walking, but many other activities.

The track was decorated with dozens of stands and tents, where teams of participants sold raffle tickets, baked goods, and other items to raise money.

The day kicked off at 4 p.m. with a lap walked by 150 cancer survivors, all demonstrating the possibility of overcoming the disease and inspiring others to keep fighting.

Following the survivor lap, several other laps were theme-based, including Disney, Halloween and pirate themes.

Members of the town’s boards and committees could be seen showing their support during the dignitaries’ lap, and at nightfall, the luminary lap took place, where hundreds of white bags with lights in them were lit to pay tribute to cancer victims and survivors.

Though there were plenty of tears, most people at the event said they were honored to participate in such an event.

“What brought me out today is that there’s too many people I know who have passed away from cancer,” said Salem resident Donna Palmisano, who has been battling lymphoma for the past few years. “Far too many people have it.”

Like Palmisano, many others said their family members have been stricken with the disease and finding a cure resonates with them on a personal level.

Organizers said this year’s event was the most successful one yet, and next year could be even bigger.Planning for the 2008 event will begin in September.

“It just gets better every year,” said Mary Reese, a member of the organization committee.  “Everyone knows someone whose lives have been touched by cancer.  These are the peoples’ lives that we’re hoping to make a difference in.”