The official numbers may not be in, but Whitehorse has once again contributed a substantial amount of money to the Canadian Cancer Society through the Relay for Life.

Preliminary estimates on the Yukon Relay for Life website put the total so far at $66,461, but that number could climb as high as $70,000 once the final count is in.

The top five solo fund-raisers for 2010 were Patty Benjamintz ($3,549), Frank Curlew ($3,350), Krysta Kelly-Hillier ($2,207), Tanis Avery ($1,853) and Maureen McGovern ($1,710).

Top teams for the Relay were Lymping Nodes ($7,689), The Little Sistas ($7,077), Chicks 4 a Cure ($4,585), Walking in the Sunshine ($4,473) and Princess Kendra ($3,768).

Speaking before the Relay kicked off on Saturday evening, relay organizer Brooke McKenzie said those gathered are making an impact.

"I relay because I know that we are making a difference,” she said.

McKenzie told the crowd she was participating for many cancer survivors, and those who had lost their battles, including an aunt who recently celebrated her third year in remission, a friend who beat thyroid cancer only to lose her mother to the disease, and a young cancer survivor entering kindergarten, who is celebrating being cancer free.

"I have many more reasons why I relay,” McKenzie said.

The money raised at Relay for Life goes towards support programs, prevention and research.

"The support Relay receives from donors, teams and volunteers is truly amazing,” McKenzie said.

Another amazing aspect, she told the crowd, is the amount of teams who return year after year to raise money.

"We have teams that have been here for the entire seven years,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie pointed to teams such as the Trauma Queens, who have raised $18,000 and the Lymping Nodes who have contributed over $40,000, and raised $7,689 this year alone.

But McKenzie was also happy to acknowledge any donors.

"You should all be very proud of your hard work,” she said. "Every dollar we raise really does make a difference.”

McKenzie set the funds raised at $65,000 prior to the Relay's start.

Cancer survivor, and member of the Paddlers Abreast team, Karen Stephens also spoke before the Relay about the team.

"This year they are celebrating their 10th year on the river, and still going strong,” Stephens said. "I'm extremely honoured to be a part of the amazing group of women.”

The survivor ensured the crowd that those who have beaten the disease have plenty to look forward to.

"There's life after cancer,” she said.

Stephens also pointed to everyone who had contributed a donation, no matter how small or large.

"Each year we light the luminaries in memory of those we've lost, and in celebration of those who survive,” she said. "But tonight I'd like to light a candle of great appreciation and love for my family and friends, and all of you for your great power of endurance.

"I know my own journey would have been difficult without the warped humour of all my supporters.”

Stephens also acknowledged the contribution of business in the Whitehorse area.