A row of small decorated bags placed along a section of Salem High School’s running track carried messages of love from Tom Murphy’s family.

“To the world he was just one man,” read the words on one bag. “To us, he was the world.”

On another bag: “We miss you, papa. You will always be in our heart.”

Tom Murphy was 78 when he died of cancer last January, leaving behind his wife, Mary, six children and seven grandchildren. Now his loved ones are helping others who battle the disease.

They gathered as “Tom’s Team” to participate in Salem’s fifth annual Relay for Life celebration, which was held at the school on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28. The event financially supports the American Cancer Society.

Murphy, who lived in Somerville, Mass., had lung cancer that spread to his liver.

Wearing green T-shirts and shielded from the hot sun with their tropicaltheme tents, team members sold make-your-own ice cream sundaes.

“We’re going to walk the track, spend the night, party with the survivors,” said team member Gail Scarpone.

Relays to benefit ACS are community events where participants of all ages and walks of life come together to fight back against cancer, celebrate the lives of those who have survived the disease, and remember loved ones who succumbed to it.

Funds support the organization’s research, community services, education and advocacy efforts to benefit patients and their families.

Going into the weekend, Salem relay organizers estimated that more than 800 people would participate in the overnight event to raise more than $200,000.

Eighty-two teams from the community participated. They represented businesses, churches, students, town departments and others from the Salem area. Teams were encouraged to have at least one member walking the track throughout the 18-hour event.

“We really appreciate all the teamwork and all the work everyone puts into this event,” said Salem Police Chief Paul Donovan, who co-chaired the event with Lynne Martineau.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. In New Hampshire, more than 7,600 residents will be diagnosed with cancer in 2009, according to relay organizers, and 2,600 people will lose their lives to the disease in the state.

Because of advances in research, early detection and treatment, 66 percent of all cancer patients survive five years or more, according to organizers.

“The relay we began five years ago has become much bigger than we first imagined,” Mary Reese, the event’s honorary chairman, told attendees.

It’s a cause important to her. Reese’s sister, Catherine Benedict, lost a 13-year battle with brain cancer and Reese experienced many ups and downs as a caregiver.

Reese is looking forward to the day when the world is cancer free, she told the gathering, and she’s been inspired by people she’s met and the stories they’ve shared.

Survivors and caregivers each walked a lap around the track, and Donovan encouraged people who have questions about cancer to visit the event’s education tent. The survivors were greeted by applause as they walked past onlookers.

There were inspirational messages, such as “Love is Stronger than Cancer,” posted at the event. And there were educational messages, too. According to one sign, early detection can prevent nearly 90 percent of colon cancer cases and deaths.

Despite the relay’s serious mission, the mood was upbeat and there were plenty of things to do.

People threw Frisbees, listened to music, blew bubbles, competed in dodge ball and enjoyed many other activities. Team tents offered games, contests, raffle prizes and food.

And the event was divided into hour-long lap times that were each designated with a specific theme, including the Teddy Bear Lap, the Party Like a Rockstar Lap and the Superheroes Lap.

Rob Anderson, costumed as “Thing,” and Leo Ouellette, dressed as “Mr. Fantastic,” two of the Fantastic Four superheroes, drew attention as they circled the track and occasionally posed for pictures. They are members of the PB&J Team, which has lost several family members to cancer.

At one tent, relayers could “Beat Cancer for a Buck.” A striking dummy from a selfdefense studio wore a shirt carrying the message, “Beat Cancer.”

“Some people come over and have fun and beat on it a little bit,” said Ed Redmond, owner of Shield Defensive Tactics in Windham, who lost a grandfather to cancer.

Other members of his teams – Warriors for a Cure – sold lemonade and baked goods, including cookies that customers could decorate.

The event also featured a Relay Store where people could purchase caps, shirts, reusable grocery bags, teddy bears, holiday ornaments, piggy banks, magnet clips, bracelets, flashing wands and other items. Their purchases also benefited ACS.