A year ago, Kristi Cary arrived at her first Relay for Life cancer research fundraiser, bald from her chemotherapy, overwhelmed by the burden of her disease.

“I had just lost my hair for the second time, and I was devastated,” said Cary, 49, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.

But as she walked the track at the University of North Texas Fouts Field last spring, a stranger’s comment about her own hair loss changed Cary’s outlook.

DRC/Gary Payne

Participants walk around the track during the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on Saturday at Fouts Field on the University of North Texas campus. Organizers hope to raise $150,000 in the fundraising campaign.

“It grows back,” said the woman, a veteran of chemotherapy.

“It made me realize I wasn’t abnormal, that [other] people had to go through it over and over,” Cary said Saturday, waiting beside the Fouts Field track for the 2008 relay to begin. “She made a difference in my life. Hopefully this time I can make a difference in someone else’s life.”

Cary was among the cancer survivors who walked the opening lap of the 13th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Denton.

Participants started the 12-hour relay at noon amid cheering from onlookers and upbeat songs. The event included live music, games for children and an evening candlelight ceremony honoring cancer victims and survivors.

The event raised more than $1 million for cancer research and education over its first 12 years, according to organizers. They hoped to raise $150,000 this year, but final numbers were not yet available, said Susan Curry, event chairwoman.

As of Friday, more than $100,000 had been raised, Curry said.

A record number of teams and survivors participated last year, helping the relay raise about $200,000 — more than ever before, organizers said.

“We’re a little bit down” this year, Curry said. “The economy has had an effect, but I think we’ll hit our marks.”

The opening ceremony reflected a celebratory mood. But many, including Cary, are still struggling with cancer.

Cary’s breast cancer spread to her lungs in 2006. She’s now enduring her third round of aggressive chemotherapy.

Events like Saturday’s relay help her stay positive.

“I had chemotherapy yesterday, so I’m glad to be here today,” she said.

“I want people to know it’s not a death sentence.”

LOWELL BROWN can be reached at 940-566-6882. His e-mail address is lmbrown@dentonrc.com.