The rain didn't let up, but that didn't bother those attending the 2013 Greater New Bedford Relay for Life. Hundreds of people, including survivors of cancer and their family and friends, turned out for the rain-drenched event.

77-year-old Raymond Silvia has been cancer-free for a year. Silvia tells WBSM News one of his lungs had to be removed after 60 years of smoking, and it pains him when young people light up.

Opening ceremonies were held under the survivors tent, but survivors and others braved the weather to take the survivors lap around the Paul Walsh Field track. Leading the survivors were New Bedford Police Chief David Provencher, and 100-year-old Bernice Tripp.

Closing ceremonies take place Saturday at 11am.

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