DAPHNE, Ala.—Walking in circles is rarely fun. It can be frustrating, tiresome and dizzying.

But when each lap circled means another dollar for finding the cure to a disease that affects millions of Americans, then walking in circles takes on new meaning.

Almost 1,000 people attended Friday’s Relay for Life at Daphne Middle School’s athletic field; many walked in teams, some walking until 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The atmosphere was, for the most part, celebratory, as cancer survivors and their family members gathered to be a part of such a meaningful experience.

But the mood shifted during the opening ceremony as survivors shared personal experiences with chemotherapy and radiation.

Suvivors told harrowing accounts of painful, panic-filled treatments. They talked of metallic tastes, searing skin and unbearable nausea.

The mood quickly shifted back to festive as the first round of walkers took their places.

Rounds of cheers spread as the relay began with the Survivor Victory Lap, as cancer survivors and their caretakers started the action.

Walkers participated in teams, representing schools, organizations and businesses.

After six hours of team challenges, six hours of walking in circles, the closing ceremony commenced with the announcement of the final tally of $104,000 raised.

However, it seemed not everyone in the community is supportive of cancer research .

Shortly before the final lap, as Kiss’ immortal “I Wanna Rock’n’Roll All Night” blared over the loudspeakers, a belligerent neighbor shared his opinion of the evening.

“It’s 1:30 in the morning,” he shouted. “Some people around here are trying to sleep!”

Reactions the remaining crowd varied from “I hope you get cancer, you (expletive)” to even more inflammatory remarks not suitable for print in a community newspaper.

But the irate neighbor incident didn’t put a damper on what was an extremely successful night.

Each walker participates for their own reason, whether they’ve been personally battling cancer for years or they’ve watched their spouse stuggle with the side effects of toxic chemo cocktails.

“My mom, mother-in-law, grandmother and aunt all lost the battle from different types of cancer,” Lyn Fogarty said. “I raise funds to fight back against a disease that has already taken too many of my loved ones and friends.”

Robert Shaw, who lost his wife, Julia, to breast cancer two years ago, walked in her memory.

“I do this for the both of us,” he said. “She’s here tonight. I can feel her.”

The list of participating teams is as follows:

•Badcock Furniture.

•Baker Family and Friends, Daphne United Methodist Church.

•Baldwin County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta.

•Baldwin EMC.

•Best Buy.

•Chatty Walkers.

•Christ the King Catholic Church.

•Colonial Bank.

•Colony Homes.

•Daphne East Elementary School.

•Daphne High School.

•Daphne Middle School.

•Daphne Utilities.

•Eastern Shore Baptist Church.

•Fairhope High School—Girls Service Club.

•Fairhope High School Key Club.

•Float 7 Girls and Friends.

•Hutchinson, Moore and Rauch.

•Lady Trojans Basketball Team.

•Mercy Medical.

•Mission Possible.

•Providence United Methodist Church.

•Relay Royals.

•Riviera Utilities.

•Sam’s Club.

•Southern Cancer Center—Malbis.

•Spanish Fort Church of Christ.

•Spanish Fort High Key Club.

•Spanish Fort Middle School.

•Spanish Fort Presbyterian Church.

•Team Larry.

•Terry Thompson Chevrolet.

•The Apartment Team.

•The Grand Hotel.

•Thomas Hospital.

•TNT Swimming.

•Wal-Mart, store No. 4333—Fairhope.

•W.J. Carroll Intermediate School.

•Wolfe Family and Friends.